Puerto Rico
Abandoned cats at Los Machos beach, Ceiba, Puerto Rico. October 2022.
In October 2022, I began a long term documentation investigating the longstanding challenges facing companion animals in Puerto Rico. The Humane Society of Puerto Rico estimates that there are over 500,000 stray dogs and more than 1 million stray cats on the island. The relinquishment of what were once considered pets to the beaches and streets to fend for themselves, the keeping of both cats and dogs tied up in yards or garages and a general indifference to the welfare on public roads are all commonplace practices.
These images and short film below, however, highlight the positive actions taken by one woman who has made it a personal mission to improve the lives of illegally dumped cats and dogs near her home, the incredible efforts of @thesatoproject @wingsofrescue and @saveagato, the latter who continues to advocate for the cats of Old San Juan and the random acts of kindness shown by strangers. There remains hope that a changed perspective towards companion animals may yet be possible.
An early morning with Save A Gato volunteers, who help manage and care for the community cats in the Paseo del Morro.
