Activists are appealing to the Puerto Rican government to amp up their efforts for animal protection after the country was revealed to be last among U.S. territories in animal welfare.

According to a report from the Latin American Herald Tribune, the survey by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) ranked Puerto Rico at the very bottom of the list that assessed country's with the best and worst standards of animal welfare. Some of the criteria of the research are the regulations on dog breeding as well as enforcement of fines for various crimes against animals like cockfights, extreme confinement and domestication of dangerous wildlife.

Marjorie Andino Arenas, director of the Brownie Blondie Foundation rescue group, talked about the implications of the survey, telling EFE as quoted by the publication, "As someone who protects and defends animal rights, I feel very frustrated by that ranking. Puerto Ricans do not understand that an animal becomes part of the family."

She added that according to data collected by animal protection groups, there are about 300,000 stray dogs roaming the streets of Puerto Rico. The Animal Welfare and Protection Act, also known as Act 154 of 2008, remains the single law in the country to keep track of animal treatment and rights.

The struggle to improve the conditions of animals in Puerto Rico has long been ongoing. There has been a lack of preventive solutions such as spaying and neutering as well as reports of animal abuse for years.

In 2015, the HSUS launched a partnership with the Puerto Rican government to improve the conditions of animal welfare in the island, an official release from HSUS revealed. From strict monitoring of the puppy mills to a series of training for shelter employees, rescuers, law enforcement agents and animal control officers, the organization hoped to create enough of an impact to spur better enforcement of laws and inspire locals on "loving pet ownership".

HSUS policy implementation manager Tara Loller pointed out that the foundation is present, but the implementation of the laws could use some work in Puerto Rico.

"Puerto Rico actually has great laws -- laws we'd love to see in parts of the States," she explained. "There's just no enforcement right now."

On the other end of the spectrum, the HSUS survey recognized California as the top performer in animal rights with 88 criteria related to policies regarding animals. Oregon bagged second place, followed by Virginia and Massachusetts at the third spot.

According to the organization's official website, the HSUS is the country's biggest animal protection organization, providing care and services to around 100,000 animals annually as well as seeking the professionalization of the industry through education and training.