ASPCA Responds to Public Concern Over Alleged Animal Cruelty by Costa Rican Artist
NEW YORK, April 24, 2008—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today released a statement in response to the tremendous outpouring of public concern over an alleged 2007 art exhibition by Costa Rican artist Guillermo Habacuc Vargas, in which the artist reportedly chained a dog to a corner of a gallery, leaving the dog to slowly starve to death without any food or water.
Online “chatter” and public outcry regarding this incident has increased steadily over the last several weeks after many Web sites have reported that this artist is planning future exhibitions. Many have wondered whether the stories or images are real.
“While this incident reportedly took place in Nicaragua and the facts are difficult to determine, it is horrifying that a member of the global art community would even contemplate deliberately starving and killing a defenseless animal in the name of art,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.
“The ASPCA is opposed to cruelty to animals of all types, in all societies,” continued Sayres. “However, it is also not the policy of the ASPCA to condemn entire communities or countries for the cruel acts of individuals. What we need to do collectively is to step up our efforts to educate the public on the humane treatment of animals, so that such events do not occur again.”
The ASPCA’s scope of work encompasses the United States. The organization is a member of WSPA (The World Society for the Protection of Animals) and supports their positions on international animal welfare-related issues. According to ASPCA discussions with WSPA officials, when Vargas was invited to compete in an art show in Honduras this year, WSPA and member society the Honduras Association for the Protection of Animals and their Environment (AHPRA) acted to ensure this cruelty could not be repeated by any artist. WSPA has also indicated to the ASPCA that it will strengthen its efforts to enact stronger animal protection laws in Nicaragua.
The ASPCA asks its supporters everywhere to advocate on behalf of animals through their own actions, whether that be by staying abreast of international animal welfare issues via information provided by WSPA, supporting national or local animal welfare organizations, or educating others in your own community on how to detect, and fight, animal cruelty.
To join the ASPCA in its ongoing fight for the humane treatment of animals, please visit http://www.fightcruelty.org/ and take our pledge to help fight animal cruelty.
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