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.