Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - In order to address the many reports and allegations of animal abuse and neglect in Puerto Vallarta, the municipal government has trained eight police officers and organized a new unit whose objective is to respond to animal abuse reports, to investigate, and to rescue the abused and/or neglected animal(s) when necessary.

El Grupo de Atención, Control y Vigilancia Animal (Animal Care, Control and Surveillance Unit) is a legal arm of the Puerto Vallarta police force, has a duly identified police vehicle, and is governed by the animal abuse law enforcement protocol recently approved by the entire City Council.

The specialized unit is commanded by Officer Manuel González Pino, who will work with the Attorney General's Office in matters of preliminary inquiries relating to animals protected by federal regulations, as well as with the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection to implement operations to detect the unlawful capture and sale of wildlife.

The Attorney General's Office will provide the special unit with technical support and assistance in cases of abuse and cruelty to dogs and cats in coordination with the Centro de Acopio Animal (Puerto Vallarta animal shelter.)

The eight officers in the Animal Care, Control and Surveillance Unit will also work to raise awareness and promote animal protection through public briefings in plazas and parks to ensure that those who own pets take responsibility for their animals and never subject them to cruelty.