Some figures are chilling. The number of abandoned pets last year is one of them. In 2015, more than 140,000 animals were abandoned in Spain. Can you believe it?
There are several reasons for animal abandonment. In general, a large proportion of abandonments are due to owners getting "bored" or tired of having animals. In many cases, animal ownership is a fad, not a conviction or a way of life. So, when the "novelty" wears off, many owners think it's better to get rid of their pets. And they abandon them. The inhumanity and irresponsibility of this act is not questionable.
Another reason given to "justify" animal abandonment is the economic crisis. It is undeniable that the crisis has hit many families hard and that maintaining an animal requires a certain income. That is why many people, in tough times, abandon their animals and justify themselves by saying that they are "a luxury they cannot afford". This is not entirely true, as today there are numerous initiatives, such as pet food banks, that aim precisely at this: that the economic situation does not force families to give up their pets.
Regardless of the reasons, the abandonment of domestic animals is sanctioned by law. And severely. The problem is that there is no territorial law regulating this, but rather it depends on each Autonomous Community and its criteria. In almost all communities, however, it is considered a serious or very serious offense. Of the 17 autonomous communities, eleven consider the infraction very serious; for three, it is serious; and for another three, it is serious or very serious depending on the case.
The fines for this repulsive act are generally quite high. But not even that dissuades some people from abandoning their pets. So if the law is not enough, action must be taken. And that's where animal shelters come in.
Animal shelters and adoption centers carry out many actions to promote adoptions... To give abandoned animals a family and a future.
The Fuenlabrada city council animal center recently organized an open day for potential "aristoparents" to get to know the pets waiting for a home. Those with whom they felt a greater affinity and where a spark arose could be adopted. After the day, 5 of the 35 pets had found a new family and recovered hope.
The first pet adoption day was also recently organized in one of the cities in Europe where most animals are abandoned: Córdoba. The initiative, organized by Sadeco, involved 19 animal welfare organizations. The ultimate goal was to promote adoption, but also to raise awareness that shelter dogs and stray dogs are in perfect condition to be adopted, just as much as one sold in a store. As well as to "prepare" people mentally to understand that when a puppy becomes an adult dog, it is still just as wonderful... just bigger.
In the town of Elda, the canine association Ascan, in collaboration with the Juan Rico y Amat school, celebrated the second edition of "Apérrate-adóptame", another project that seeks to encourage adoption and responsible animal purchasing among children. The event also included a basic obedience exhibition, a dog competition, and offered the possibility of adopting a total of 13 dogs. The day concluded with a paella tasting as a sign of celebration.
As you can see, shelters and associations are very active. If you know of any adoption events coming up soon, please share them. Together we can reduce the shameful number of abandoned animals in Spain!