Does Costa Rica have a high rate of animal abandonment and abuse?

Going to Costa Rica next year with my school, I need to know if there are a lot of homeless animals wandering the streets.
It really depends on where you will be visiting when you go to Costa Rica. If you are in San jose you may see a few animals on the street but not many.
In most of the smaller towns ( especially those towns near the beaches) you will find alot of "beach dogs". I know that there are many people becoming concerned about the large number of animals that are "homeless" but we must remember they are animals and they do not have the weather issues (ie. winter snow, etc) that may cause concern in many other countries.
There are people who adopt and look after these animals but they are still allowed to run free.
When walking down the beach you are often greeted and accompanied by many dogs and they are very friendly, healthy and playful...Take it from me who is not really good with dogs that i dont know...they are really friendly and in my one week stay there i befriended many and they follow and keep you safe on the beach.
If it is a fear of these dogs you have, I would say not to worry.
If it a concern for their welfare you can be sure there are people doing good work but i am sure they can always use some help.
Enjoy your trip and I hope you get to see many animals in Costa Rica , on the street and in the rainforests and beaches. (Keep your eyes open for the sloths..and there are a few sloth refuges in the country).