“Our collaboration with SENASA will allow us to more effectively work with Costa Rican authorities to crack down on animal fighting and promote animal welfare in general,” said Cynthia Dent, regional director for HSI-Latin America. “Humane Society International is very excited about this groundbreaking partnership.”

Following the official signing, HSI and SENASA held their first joint training session with personnel from SENASA and law enforcement receiving training to adequately deal with cockfighting and dogfighting, including investigating and breaking up animal fighting operations.

Animal welfare is a global issue, and one of increasing relevance in developing countries, where governmental institutions and NGO’s are key players. It is because of this that SENASA is entering this partnership with HSI, an international organization with over 50 years of experience in the field of animal welfare. This collaboration can become the cornerstone of a new era of improved animal health, welfare and public veterinary health.