reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 52 - Fishing and Aquaculture Industry Council (§§ 1521 — 1530) › § 1528 - Transfers to Department of Natural and Environmental Resources

The following functions, properties and programs are hereby transferred to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources:
(1) Lands of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico that had been transferred to CODREMAR. The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall sign the necessary contracts with the Conservation Trust for the management, leasing or administration of these properties, as well as those that are needed to secure the pending unpaid debt of said lands. It is hereby directed to transfer to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and to consign in the budgets for the 1990-91 and 1991-92 fiscal years, the sum of two million three hundred and four thousand, one hundred and four dollars ($2,304,104.00) per fiscal year, for the payment of this debt. Said appropriation was provided in Joint Resolution No. 17 of May 25, 1982. None of what has been provided herein shall alter the original agreements executed, except that the functions performed by CODREMAR shall be performed by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
(2) The 10- cuerda farm known as “Belvedere Farm” in Barrio Miradero of Cabo Rojo, which had been transferred to CODREMAR by the Land Administration.
(3) The Fishing Research Laboratory, its chattels, real estate, files, licenses, permits, funds, remainders of funds, assets, liabilities and contracts (except work contracts).
History —Aug. 23, 1990, No. 61, p. 245, § 9; Dec. 14, 1997, No. 144, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 52 - Fishing and Aquaculture Industry Council (§§ 1521 — 1530) › § 1529 - Fishing Research Laboratory Council

The Fishing Research Laboratory Council is hereby created. The Council shall be constituted by the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources or his/her representative, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture or his/her representative, the Director of the Fishing Promotion, Development and Administration Program, the Director of the Fishing Research Laboratory Council, two (2) commercial fishermen, a sports or recreational fisherman, a fresh water aquaculturist, a mariculturist, a representative of the Department of Marine Sciences of the Mayagüez campus of the University of Puerto Rico specialized in the fishing industry, the Assistant Secretary for Commercial Agriculture of the Department of Agriculture and the Director of the Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
The Council shall be responsible for establishing and ensuring that the public policy on the fishing research and statistics programs carried out by the Laboratory is complied with. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall be in charge of the administration of the Laboratory. The Council’s agreements shall be adopted by the majority of its members. The Council shall meet at least four (4) times a year in regular meetings and shall hold as many special meetings as the Council deems necessary. The Council shall adopt those rules and regulations it deems necessary for its internal operation, as well as for the due compliance of the provisions of this chapter.
History —Aug. 23, 1990, No. 61, p. 245, § 10; Dec. 14, 1997, No. 144, § 4; Aug. 14, 1999, No. 234, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 52 - Fishing and Aquaculture Industry Council (§§ 1521 — 1530) › § 1530 - Transfer of personnel

All personnel of CODREMAR entitled to retention in accordance with Act No. 5 of October 14, 1975, and applicable personnel regulations, is hereby transferred to the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, pursuant to the assignment of functions transferred hereby to each agency.
The personnel transferred hereby shall keep the rights and benefits they had at the time of their transfer, as well as the rights and obligations with regard to any pension, retirement or savings and loan fund system. Provided, however, That the classification and remuneration of the positions shall be established in accordance with the classification and remuneration plans that apply the Departments of Agriculture, and Natural and Environmental Resources, respectively. Employees thus transferred shall meet the minimum classification requirements of the positions to which their functions are assigned. The administrative support personnel entitled to retention shall be transferred, in proportion to the operations transferred. The Central Personnel Administration Office shall take the necessary measures so that the remuneration of employees is affected in the least possible way as a result of the transfer.
History —Aug. 23, 1990, No. 61, p. 245, § 11; Dec. 14, 1997, No. 144, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1551 - Short title

This chapter shall be known as the “Act for the Promotion of Agricultural Development of Puerto Rico”.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 1, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1554 - Programs—Preparation and approval; consultation and advisement

In the preparation and approval of the different aid programs, subsidies, incentives or services under this chapter, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult and obtain the advice from the Agricultural Council of Puerto Rico for which both said officer and said body shall hold public hearings where the following shall be taken into account:
(a) Production costs of different farm cattle products.
(b) Prices prevailing in the market or that reasonably might be expected to prevail when such products may be ready for the market.
(c) Total supplies of each kind of product which may be available at any time.
In the preparation and approval of the different aid programs, subsidies, incentives or services under this chapter, a farmers’ committee shall be consulted which shall be composed of five (5) members who shall be appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico as follows: three (3) of whom shall be farmers as proposed by the Agricultural Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Farmers Association of Puerto Rico, and two (2) members as proposed by the Department of Agriculture.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 4, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1555 - Programs—Objectives

In the preparation, approval and implementation of programs under this chapter there shall be taken into consideration the following objectives:
(a) To promote the integral development of each farm or agricultural unit, giving preference to the work purely connected with farm cattle production which may develop or improve the infrastructure of our agriculture, such as the leveling and drainage of lands, deep wells, pathways in farms, etc., and to the programs that may reduce the farm cattle production costs or that provide protection thereto.
(b) To encourage the greatest production possible in accordance with the productive capacity of the lands and the means to dispose of the production.
(c) To encourage the greatest consumption of local farm cattle products, including their availability to the consumers at fair prices.
(d) To place the farmers and entities who engage in farm cattle production in the best possible competitive position.
(e) To place the farmers and entities who engage in farm cattle production on a stable economic basis.
(f) To bring to farmers and entities who engage in the farm cattle production the greatest possible welfare in harmony with the general level of development and of the aspirations prevailing in the country.
(g) To promote the use of land for agricultural purposes by practices tending to greater production and to the conservation of the soil and of the waters in harmony with the recommendations of the Soil Conservation Districts of Puerto Rico.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 5, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1557 - Transfer of products

The Secretary of Agriculture may transfer, free of charge or at a lesser price, the farm cattle products he may acquire to government, commonwealth and municipal institutions, when in his judgment the public interest so requires, due to low prices or other unfavorable economic factors in the marketing of such products, when it is impossible to store same due to their perishable nature, when their storage is not advisable or feasible for their future sale due to the high costs incurred in said storage. Likewise, in agreement with the Secretary of the Family and with the approval of the Governor, he may donate any quantity of the products acquired to needy families, in accordance with the norms of assistance to families of scarce resources in force, as approved by the Department of the Family.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 7, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1558 - Farm cattle defined

The term “farm cattle” as used in this chapter shall, in its fullest sense, include all kinds of farm products, with the sole exception of sugarcane and coffee, which are covered by special statutory programs, and comprises the cattle byproducts in all its branches, including aviculture and apiculture, and fishing and hunting products.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 8, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1559 - Sending of copy of programs, regulations and norms; annual report

The Secretary of Agriculture shall send to the Legislature and to the Governor a copy of each program which he may have implemented under the provisions of this chapter, including the regulations and norms which may govern it, and shall annually make a detailed progress report, including the resources used, as well as the results obtained in each one.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 9, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1560 - Report of operations

The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Legislature, at the beginning of each regular session, a report containing an explanation, as detailed as possible, of its operations in compliance with this chapter and of the amounts used for administrative and operating expenses.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 10, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1561 - Regulations

Except as hereinafter provided, the regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Agriculture to enforce the provision[s] of this chapter shall have force of law, once the requirements established in the Rules and Regulations Act of Puerto Rico, No. 112 of June 30, 1957, have been complied with.
The standards or regulations required to establish programs under the following agricultural practices for which funds are appropriated in § 1567 of this title shall take effect immediately:
(a) Marketing of agricultural products, including the price guarantee program.
(b) Aid in cases of small disasters.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 11; May 31, 1972, No. 63, p. 138.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1562 - Use of funds for emergencies

The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized, with the approval of the Governor or of the officer whom the Governor may delegate, the use of the funds herein provided or any part thereof, to attend the urgent agricultural needs caused by the cases of emergency set forth in Act No. 33 of April 28, 1932, as amended. The Secretary of Agriculture may also provide incentives, subsidies, aids or services in special cases of emergency which affect specific areas, without being of a general character, such as droughts, floods, losses or damages to crops due to massive attacks of plagues, localized heavy winds, such as tornadoes and whirlwinds, etc.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 12, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1563 - Personnel

The personnel necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter shall be included in the Noncompetitive Service, in accordance with Act No. 345 of May 12, 1947, as amended, which creates the Personnel Office of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Any personnel assigned from any dependency of the Department of Agriculture or from any other agency to carry out the purposes of this chapter shall hold the personnel status had at the time of his transfer.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 13, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1564 - Operating expenses

The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized to annually use, to defray the operating expenses of the programs created by virtue of this chapter, up to seven percent (7%) of the total amount of the resources that the Incentives Fund may have as of July 1 of each fiscal year.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 14, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1565 - Powers of Secretary of Agriculture bestowed by other laws

For the enforcement of this chapter the Secretary of Agriculture may make use of the powers, faculties and authorizations already bestowed on him by virtue of other laws and joint resolutions for similar ends and purposes. Neither the provisions of Act No. 49 of August 4, 1947, as amended, which creates the Transportation Office, nor Act No. 96 of June 29, 1954, as amended, which creates the Procurement and Service Act, shall apply for the enforcement of this chapter.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 15, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1566 - Construction in favor of powers and faculties of Secretary of Agriculture

Whenever there exists any doubt as to the faculties of the Secretary of Agriculture to comply with the responsibilities required by this chapter and to use the powers that same ratifies, it shall be liberally construed in favor of the powers of the Secretary of Agriculture.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 16, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1567 - Funds—Appropriation

The sum of five million five hundred two thousand dollars ($5,502,000) is hereby appropriated from unencumbered funds in the Commonwealth Treasury to the Department of Agriculture for the following purposes:
A— Agricultural Practices 1—Development of livestock and aviculture $2,725,000 2—Development of the tobacco industry 850,000 3—Marketing of farm products, including the price guarantee program 500,000 4—Promotion of the production of foodstuff 225,000 5—Promotion of commercial fishing 70,000 6—Aid in cases of small disasters 25,000 7—Aid to farmers for the payment of premiums to be paid to the State Insurance Fund, as provided in Act No. 23 of 1970 630,000 B—Acquisitions or Capital Improvements 1—Control of floods in hydrographic watersheds $206,000 2—To continue the program of development of fishing ports 175,000 3—Acquisition of lands for forest 96,000
In subsequent years the Governor shall recommend to the Legislature the amounts that may be necessary to comply with the purposes of this chapter.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 18, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1568 - Funds—Income

The appropriations provided in this chapter shall be covered into the Agricultural Incentives Fund hereby created.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 19, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1569 - Funds—Use

The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized, with the approval of the Governor, or of the officer on whom he may delegate, to use any of the funds herein provided for any of the purposes authorized by this chapter.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 20, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 53 - Promotion of Agricultural Development (§§ 1551 — 1571) › § 1570 - Field organization

The programs that may be established under this chapter shall be put in force by a field organization which presents the necessary coordination between the different agricultural agencies of the country and which permits and facilitates the direct care of the problems of each farmer.
History —June 21, 1971, No. 53, p. 164, § 21, eff. July 1, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 55 - Harmful Animals (§§ 1601 — 1610) › § 1602 - Designation of species by regulation

The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture is hereby empowered to designate through regulations, those species of the animals, microorganisms, insects, eggs or progeny mentioned in § 1601 of this title, which in his/her judgment should be designated as harmful species and whose introduction, possession, acquisition, sale or transfer in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico must be prohibited. Once the Secretary has drafted any regulation and before it is adopted or amended, the Secretary shall hold public hearings after giving public notice of the date, place and nature of said hearings in the form and manner he/she may deem proper. The Regulations shall be promulgated pursuant to the provisions of §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico”.
History —June 23, 1971, No. 70, p. 209, § 2; July 9, 1986, No. 78, p. 257, § 3; July 23, 1998, No. 158, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 55 - Harmful Animals (§§ 1601 — 1610) › § 1603 - Return or destruction

All shipments of species of wild mammals, wild birds and fishes, also including mollusks and crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, microorganisms, insects, and their eggs or progeny, which have been expressly prohibited through §§ 1601 et seq. of this title or by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture must be promptly returned or destroyed, and charged to the importer or consignee.
History —June 23, 1971, No. 70, p. 209, § 3; July 23, 1998, No. 158, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 55 - Harmful Animals (§§ 1601 — 1610) › § 1604 - Delivery and compensation

Any natural or juridical person who on the date of effect of any regulation designating the species of animals, eggs or progeny prohibited by this chapter, who have in their possession one or more specimens of such animals, microorganisms, insects, eggs or progeny, shall deliver same to the Secretary of Agriculture or to his representative in the manner and place as the latter may provide within a term of thirty days from and after said date, or within a shorter term, if so provided by the Secretary of Agriculture due to special circumstances. The Secretary shall compensate for each specimen which is so delivered to him the price paid therefor, if it can be verified, or in lieu thereof, the price as assessed by a representative authorized by said officer. When any specimen of said animals, eggs or progeny is found in the possession of any natural or artificial person subsequent to the prescribed terms, any representative of the Secretary of Agriculture shall seize same for its disposal in accordance with this chapter, without the payment of any compensation.
History —June 23, 1971, No. 70, p. 209, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 55 - Harmful Animals (§§ 1601 — 1610) › § 1605 - Disposal

The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby empowered to dispose of, in the manner which he may deem most convenient, said prohibited animals, microorganisms and insects, whether delivered or seized under the terms of this chapter, either resorting to their destruction on his own account or to their destruction or custody through societies for the protection of [cruelty to] animals, if he so deems convenient, or through donations as live or dead specimens to scientific institutions, aquariums, museums or zoological parks.
History —June 23, 1971, No. 70, p. 209, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 55 - Harmful Animals (§§ 1601 — 1610) › § 1606 - Use of funds

The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized to use from the budget of regular expenses of the Department of Agriculture the necessary funds to defray the compensation provided in § 1604 of this title for the specimens of animals, microorganisms, insects, which are delivered to him for their disposal in accordance with this chapter.
History —June 23, 1971, No. 70, p. 209, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 55 - Harmful Animals (§§ 1601 — 1610) › § 1607 - Exceptions

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to government agencies which must have, in order to carry out their purposes, the animals, microorganisms, insects, eggs or progeny designated as prohibited. Said government agencies shall, however, exercise extreme precaution on the keeping, custody and confinement of such animals, microorganisms, insects, eggs or progeny, so that they should not escape thereby resulting in a threat or risk to human life or to public safety.
History —June 23, 1971, No. 70, p. 209, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 55 - Harmful Animals (§§ 1601 — 1610) › § 1608 - Special authorization

Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the Secretary of Agriculture, when he determines that the proper responsibility and continued interest for the protection of the public interest exists, may then permit, through written authorization and subject to the restrictions or conditions therein imposed, the acquisition, introduction, possession, sale or transfer, for zoological, educational, recreational, medical or scientific purposes, wild mammals, wild birds, fish, including also mollusca and crustacea, amphibians, reptiles, microorganisms, insects, or their eggs or progeny, although such acts have been prohibited through regulation promulgated under this chapter.
History —June 23, 1971, No. 70, p. 209, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 55 - Harmful Animals (§§ 1601 — 1610) › § 1609 - Quarantine provisions

Nothing herein provided shall be considered as invalidating or modifying any provision of the laws of the Department of Health or of quarantine, animal as well as vegetable.
History —June 23, 1971, No. 70, p. 209, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 55 - Harmful Animals (§§ 1601 — 1610) › § 1610 - Penalties

Any person who violates the provisions of §§ 1601 et seq. of this title or the regulations promulgated by virtue thereof, shall incur a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be punished with a fine that shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or a term of imprisonment that shall not exceed one year, or both penalties at the discretion of the court. In the case of recurrence the established penalty shall be increased to a maximum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or a term of imprisonment that shall not exceed three (3) years, or both penalties at the discretion of the court.
History —June 23, 1971, No. 70, p. 209, § 10; July 23, 1998, No. 158, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter I - General Provisions (§§ 1660 — 1663) › § 1661 - Responsibilities and coordination with other agencies

In order to guarantee the fullest compliance with this chapter, the municipalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico must comply with the provisions of the Autonomous Municipalities Act, §§ 4001 et seq. of Title 21, and these shall assign top priority to handling situations that come to their attention and which involve abuse and/or negligence of stray animals. The municipalities, in coordination with the Central Municipal Affairs Office (OCAM, Spanish acronym), shall be under the obligation to assign top priority to handling situations that involve the abuse of stray animals, as well as round-ups and care. OCAM shall coordinate efforts with other government and private agencies when services are required in relation to the identification, prevention or treatment of persons involved in acts of violence against animals. Such coordination shall include joint planning, public education and information services, use of one another’s facilities, training sessions and joint activities for the betterment of the personnel and of case evaluation and management.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 1.3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter I - General Provisions (§§ 1660 — 1663) › § 1662 - Emergency management

When an animal is in an emergency situation, it shall be the responsibility of the municipality where the animal is located, to provide the necessary and adequate assistance to the police and to the personnel of the government and/or private agency intervening in the emergency. All municipalities are under the obligation to develop a plan covering animal emergency management, round-ups and protection, under penalty of not being provided with funds from the Commonwealth Animal Control Office, or of having such funds cancelled. Such a management plan shall be drafted within one (1) year from the date of effectiveness of this act.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 1.4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter I - General Provisions (§§ 1660 — 1663) › § 1663 - Coordination and cooperation with [non-governmental] organizations

The Government of Puerto Rico, its public corporations, departments, agencies and instrumentalities and officials shall take the initiative to:
(a) Facilitate and maintain continuous efforts to incorporate the views of [non-governmental] and community entities into the various aspects of their services.
(b) Foster the participation of representatives from these entities, as well as persons whom these organizations have served, in the planning, development, offering and evaluation of services pertaining to persons involved in animal abuse.
(c) Establish collaboration agreements with the [non-governmental] organizations that provide projects to render services to animals and/or families involved in violence against or negligence of animals, as well as to abusive youths and adults. These agreements may be established but are not to be limited to the following areas: design and establishment of procedures conducive to promoting and guaranteeing animal welfare; protection and safety plans; support services for the prevention and management of family violence for persons, families, communities, and the Island.
(d) Offer all the support these entities need in order to guarantee their participation and make multi-sector collaboration possible in all compliance items of this chapter, while respecting the autonomy of said organizations.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 1.5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1664 - Abandonment

(a) If a person willfully, knowingly, carelessly or with criminal negligence, leaves an animal in a location with the intention of dereliction, said person is committing the crime of abandoning an animal.
(b) Abandonment of an animal is a fourth-degree felony that entails the punishment of imprisonment ranging from six (6) months and one (1) day to three (3) years.
(1) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from one thousand [dollars] ($1,000) to five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(c) If, as a consequence of the abandonment of an animal, the animal sustains severe bodily injury or dies, the crime shall be deemed to be a third-degree felony that entails the punishment of imprisonment ranging from three (3) years and one (1) day to eight (8) years.
(1) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from three thousand [dollars] ($3,000) to eight thousand dollars ($8,000).
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1665 - Confinement

(a) Any person with the control over an animal shall provide the animal with an adequate space within the property of the custodian that allows for free movement.
(b) Any person who confines, binds or otherwise limits the movement of an animal, and in so doing, causes unnecessary suffering, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor that entails the imposition of an individual fine, not to exceed ninety (90) days, a fine or a daily punishment by community service not to exceed ninety (90) days or home confinement or house arrest in calendar days up to ninety (90) days, or a combination of these punishments, which shall sum up to not more than ninety (90) days. Provided, further, that to walk the animal, a collar and leash is mandatory in order to control the animal, in pertinent cases, without causing harm or suffering, except for animals weighing over sixty (60) pounds, which require a safety collar.
(c) Instances of recidivism in this crime shall be punished by imprisonment for up to six (6) months.
(d) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from five hundred [dollars] ($500) to two thousand dollars ($2,000). Thereafter, for each instance of recidivism, the sum of the last fine imposed by the court shall double.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1666 - Abuse by negligence

(a) A person shall be deemed to be negligent if said person knowingly, carelessly or negligently fails to provide minimal care to an animal in the possession of said person.
(b) Neglecting animals constitutes a misdemeanor that entails a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisonment for up to six (6) months, or both penalties, in the discretion of the court.
(c) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from five hundred [dollars] ($500) to two thousand dollars ($2,000).
(d) A person is negligent if he/she runs with his/her car over a dog, cat, horse and/or head of cattle and does not take the necessary measures for the animal to be tended to or, in case of having inflicted death, the necessary measures to have the animal removed, provided he/she is not placing his/her safety at risk. Among the steps to be followed are the following: calling an animal roundup center in the municipality, and if such information should not be available, calling the police. Any person who fails to comply with this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor that entails the imposition of an individual fine not to exceed ninety (90) days, a fine or a daily punishment by community service not to exceed ninety (90) days or home confinement or house arrest in calendar days for up to ninety (90) days, or a combination of these punishments, which shall sum up to not more than ninety (90) days.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1667 - Aggravated negligence

(a) A person shall be guilty of aggravated negligence when willfully, knowingly, carelessly or with criminal negligence:
(1) Fails to provide minimal care to an animal in the possession of said person and failure to provide such care results in severe bodily injury or death of the animal. This crime is typified as a fourth-degree felony that entails the imposition of a punishment by imprisonment ranging from six (6) months and one (1) day to three (3) years.
(A) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the penalty shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from one thousand [dollars] ($1,000) to three thousand dollars ($3,000).
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1668 - Abuse

(a) A person is guilty of the crime of animal abuse if the person willfully, knowingly, carelessly or with criminal negligence inflicts any bodily injury or suffering on the animal.
(b) Animal abuse is considered to be a fourth-degree felony that entails the imposition of punishment by imprisonment ranging from six (6) months and one (1) day to three (3) years.
(1) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from one thousand [dollars] ($1,000) to three thousand dollars ($3,000).
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, animal abuse constitutes a third-degree felony that entails the imposition of punishment by imprisonment ranging from three (3) years and one (1) day to eight (8) years if:
(1) The person who is committing the crime of animal abuse has been previously convicted of one or more offenses relative to:
(A) Any law concerning animal protection in Puerto Rico or equivalent laws or regulations from any other jurisdiction; or
(B) any statute of Puerto Rico concerning domestic violence, child abuse or elderly abuse, or equivalent laws from another jurisdiction, or
(C) the person knowingly abuses an animal in the immediate presence of a minor. For the purposes of this paragraph, a minor is in the immediate presence of an instance of animal abuse if such an instance is seen or directly perceived in any manner by the minor.
(i) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from three thousand [dollars] ($3,000) to ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1669 - Third-degree abuse

(a) A person shall be guilty of the crime of animal abuse in its third-degree felony modality if a person willfully, knowingly, carelessly or with criminal negligence:
(1) Inflicts a severe bodily injury, or
(2) inflicts death on an animal.
(b) This crime entails punishment by imprisonment ranging from three (3) years and one (1) day to eight (8) years.
(1) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from three thousand [dollars] ($3,000) to ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, animal abuse shall be typified as a second-degree felony that entails the imposition of punishment by imprisonment ranging from eight (8) years and one (1) day to fifteen (15) years if:
(1) The person committing the crime of animal abuse has been previously convicted of one or more offenses relative to:
(A) Any law concerning animal protection in Puerto Rico or equivalent laws or regulations from another jurisdiction; or
(B) any statute of Puerto Rico concerning domestic violence, child abuse or elderly abuse, or equivalent laws from another jurisdiction, or
(C) the person knowingly abuses an animal in the immediate presence of a minor. For purposes of this paragraph, a minor is in the immediate presence of an instance of animal abuse if such an instance is seen or directly perceived in any manner by the minor.
(i) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from ten thousand [dollars] ($10,000) to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1670 - Aggravated abuse

(a) A person shall be guilty of the crime of aggravated animal abuse if the person willfully or knowingly:
(1) Tortures an animal, or
(2) kills an animal under circumstances that show there was malice aforethought or a gross disregard for life.
(b) Aggravated animal abuse is typified as a second-degree felony that entails punishment by imprisonment for a term of not less than eight (8) years and one (1) day and not more than fifteen (15) years.
(1) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from ten thousand [dollars] ($10,000) to twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, aggravated animal abuse shall be typified as a second-degree felony without the right to alternate benefits other than jail imprisonment if:
(1) The person committing the crime of animal abuse has been previously convicted of one or more offenses relative to:
(A) Any law concerning animal protection in Puerto Rico or equivalent laws or regulations of another jurisdiction; or
(B) any statute of Puerto Rico concerning domestic violence, child abuse or elderly abuse, or equivalent laws from another jurisdiction, or
(C) the person knowingly abuses an animal in the immediate presence of a minor. For purposes of this paragraph, a minor shall be in the immediate presence of an instance of animal abuse if such an instance is seen or directly perceived in any manner by the minor.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1672 - Transportation

(a) When transporting or conveying an animal under such conditions or in such a manner or position so as to inflict unnecessary suffering on the animal, under conditions that do not allow for proper ventilation, light or shelter, under which the animal is exposed to excessive heat and cold, bad weather, sun or rain, or without taking the necessary precautions in order for said animal to have enough food and water and proper rest, the person responsible for transporting said animal shall be guilty of a misdemeanor that entails the imposition of a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) or punishment by imprisonment for up to six (6) months.
(b) When the animal thus transported sustains an injury for not being properly transported, the crime shall constitute a fourth-degree felony.
(1) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from one thousand [dollars] ($1,000) to three thousand dollars ($3,000).
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1673 - Abuse by juridical entities

(a) Any entity, whether engaged or not in animal affairs, that abuses an animal, shall be sanctioned with the same punishments, according to the type of crime as established in this chapter.
(1) Should the entity be found guilty, in addition to the punishments that apply pursuant to this chapter, the person who owns the entity thus found guilty may not engage in any animal affairs.
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1674 - Poisoning

(a) If any person should use any kind of poison, even if he/she hires a third party for such a purpose, without making the necessary provisions to prevent bodily injuries to animals other than pests, he/she shall be accused of a misdemeanor that entails the imposition of an individual fine not to exceed ninety (90) days, a fine or a daily punishment by community service not to exceed ninety (90) days, or home confinement or house arrest in calendar days for up to ninety (90) days, or a combination of these punishments, which shall sum up to not more than ninety (90) days. The fact that the animal has entered his/her premises shall not constitute a defense. Instances of recidivism shall be typified as misdemeanors that entail a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) and/or punishment by imprisonment for up to six (6) months. A subsequent instance of recidivism shall be typified as a fourth-degree felony.
(b) Poisoning an animal constitutes a fourth-degree felony if:
(1) An animal ingests the poison laid out without proper precautions and this results in a severe bodily injury of the animal.
(A) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from one thousand [dollars] ($1,000) to five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(c) Poisoning an animal is typified as a third-degree felony if:
(1) There is a willful administration to any animal of any poison or poisonous substance that causes a severe bodily injury or death.
(A) If upon conviction under this subsection, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from three thousand [dollars] ($3,000) to ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1675 - Traps

(a) If any person uses any kind of trap or device to catch animals other than pests without taking the necessary precautions to prevent injuries or unnecessary suffering of animals, he/she shall be accused of a misdemeanor that entails the imposition of an individual fine not to exceed ninety (90) days, a fine or a daily punishment by community service not to exceed ninety (90) days or home confinement or house arrest in calendar days for up to ninety (90) days, or a combination of these punishments, which shall sum up to not more than ninety (90) days. Instances of recidivism shall be typified as misdemeanors that shall entail a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) and/or punishment by imprisonment for up to six (6) months. A subsequent instance of recidivism shall be typified as a fourth-degree felony.
(1) If the trap inflicts severe bodily injury or death, the crime shall be considered to be a fourth-degree felony.
(A) If upon conviction, the accused of a fourth-degree felony qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from one thousand [dollars] ($1,000) to three thousand dollars ($3,000).
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIVE - Agriculture (§§ 1 — 4706) › Chapter 58 - Animal Protection and Welfare Act (§§ 1660 — 1684) › Subchapter II - Judicial Proceedings (§§ 1664 — 1684) › § 1676 - Euthanasia

(a) The termination of the life of an animal may only be conducted by a veterinarian or by properly trained personnel under the supervision of a veterinarian, through techniques approved by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and complying with the provisions of §§ 2951 et seq. of Title 20; §§ 407 et seq. of Title 20; and §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 24.
(b) The animal shall be tended to during the entire process, until its death is certified by a veterinarian.
(c) Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a third-degree felony.
(1) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from three thousand [dollars] ($3,000) to ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(d) Emergency situations. —
(1) In emergency situations in which the animal is of such a size that the same cannot be transported, the person in charge of or who finds the animal shall call the nearest police station so that an officer may, through police headquarters, directly contact a veterinarian in his/her region. In the event the veterinarian is unable to reach the location, and after a detailed description by the police officer of the condition of the animal, the veterinarian may instruct him/her so that he/she induce a compassionate death by coup de grace. Any unauthorized person who induces the death of an animal shall be guilty of a fourth-degree felony.
(2) If upon conviction, the accused qualifies and avails him/herself of serving time on probation or of any alternative method other than jail imprisonment, the punishment shall entail a mandatory fine ranging from one thousand [dollars] ($1,000) to five thousand dollars ($5,000).
History —Aug. 4, 2008, No. 154, § 2.13.