Police in Ponce are investigating the discovery of at least 27 transparent bags containing dead dogs, found on Tuesday along PR-132 at kilometer 24.6, in front of the entrance to the La Providencia urbanization.

A local resident came across the bags while preparing to put them in a trash container; the dogs inside were of different breeds and colors, and the Municipality of Ponce confirmed that cats were also among the dead animals.

The two governments gave different counts - at least 27 bags according to the Police, 12 according to the municipality - and most of the animals were in a state of decomposition.

Animal Welfare agent Michael Díaz is leading the investigation, and authorities will perform necropsies to determine how the animals died; animal poisoning is a crime carrying up to eight years in prison.

The Ruth Berner animal shelter and Ponce's Municipal Emergency Management Office took charge of the bodies, which will be buried in a common grave.

Ponce Mayor Marlese Sifre Rodríguez condemned the discovery and asked anyone who saw unusual activity in the area to come forward, citing complaint number 2026-3-858-09370.