The inmates of the Vilma Curling prison for women live in the company of several cats in Desamparados.
Although many of them have been adopted by residents, the population is growing, so the administration is in search of a solution, which could be to put a good part of the animals up for adoption.
Earlier this month, the Animal Health Service (SENASA) received a complaint alleging overpopulation of dogs, cats and raccoons, causing a flea plague. At that time, Antonio Barrantes, director of the prison center, commented that the location and the border with a river helped the entry of raccoons at night and that the dogs and cats arrived in part because many people took them to the neighborhood to abandon them.
After SENASA’s visit, it was determined that there was no flea plague, but that it was necessary for the center to seek solutions to overpopulation.
Ileana Céspedes, coordinator of the Animal Welfare Program of SENASA, explained that “during the inspection they found seven dogs (five of them are neutered) and 15 cats. SENASA staff was able to see that the animals did have fleas and found a tick on the walls. This is a normal population for a criminal center,” said the specialist.
He added that it is normal for animals to frequently come to places where they are cared for and fed.
When you talk about animal populations is because they begin to reach an institution or building when there are resources. Usually, Costa Ricans are very accustomed to having a dog or cat at the same time, they have more benefits for people who are isolated,”
said Dr. Céspedes. who added that there are projects that help keep animals in prison centers, but under basic care, with current vaccines and neutered.
Kennima Garza, deputy director of the prison, said that after SENASA’s visit they managed to relocate the dogs, some were adopted by the security staff. According to her, with the cats they are trying to do an awareness work with the inmates, to look for a family for the animals. However, this is more difficult because there is an attachment.
The deputy director commented that people who want to adopt a cat can visit the center and help with the cause.