In 2006, Glen Venezio made a life-changing move from the U.S. East Coast to Puerto Rico. Shortly after arriving, he began dedicating his time and resources to caring for the local stray animals, particularly cats, which, despite his noble intentions, sparked controversy among some of the residents.
For nearly 15 years, Venezio has spent his nights roaming the streets alone, investing a significant portion of his own money—sometimes exceeding $100 a day—to feed and care for the stray cats and occasional dogs he encounters. This self-imposed mission has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from his neighbors in a middle-to-upper class area who are not keen on seeing an increase in the stray cat population.
In a 2017 interview with Medium, Venezio explained that many people believe his efforts are unnecessary due to the presence of animal rescues on the island. Additionally, his neighbors find it strange to see a man, especially an American, out at night tending to the animals. He recounted, “But to see, first of all a man. And then second of all, to see an American man, someone from the states. It’s just so, so strange to them.” This has led to confusion and anger among some residents, who question his motives.
Despite the challenges, Venezio has become a vocal advocate for the stray cats, fighting against their abuse and neglect. He has established a rapport with local police officers, many of whom call him “Hombre de Los Gatos,” or “Catman.” Some of these officers are part of an animal abuse task force that Venezio collaborates with regularly. He is well aware of his rights and the potential troublemakers in his neighborhood. For instance, he knows that sidewalks are public spaces, allowing him to feed the cats there despite complaints about food being thrown on the ground. He argues that feeding stations can be poisoned and may obstruct pedestrians.
The general sentiment among some people is that animal control should handle the stray cats, either by rounding them up for euthanasia or placing them in shelters. However, the concept of companion animals has not been widely embraced in Puerto Rico, although there is a growing shift in attitudes among the younger generation. This shift gives Venezio hope that the cats might eventually find homes.
Venezio remains committed to his cause, refusing to abandon the cats to a life of neglect. He has witnessed the cruelty they endure and cannot ignore their pleading eyes. Knowing that he is often their only source of food and medical care, he continues his mission despite the financial strain.
Sadly, this seems to have been a disturbing pattern that must be addressed. To protect future animals and provide him with the support he needs, he must be banned from ever owning animals again and undergo mandatory counseling.
By 2017, the costs had become increasingly burdensome. Venezio shared, “Money helps all the time because it’s a huge burden that I cannot afford. The food alone is over $70 a night because I’m dealing with about 250 cats. I always need money to spay and neuter. The cheapest spay and neuter operation you could get in Puerto Rico might be $40 to $50. That’s rock bottom. That’s one cat. So imagine, I’m dealing with many cats. So there’s always more and more to spay and neuter.”
If you feel compelled to support Venezio’s efforts, you can follow him on Facebook or make a donation. He gratefully accepts PetSmart e-gift cards and contributions via PayPal. Donations can be sent to Paypal at https://paypal.me/glencats, or via ATH Movil in Puerto Rico at 787 231 4981. PetSmart digital gift cards can be sent to eachlifeischarmed@gmail.com.
