We all know that the rate of animal abandonment in our country is painfully high. Every year, more than 104,000 ARISTODOGS and more than 33,000 ARISTOCATS are abandoned. A shameful figure that says a great deal, and says it very badly, about our society.
The figures reveal that the second four-month period of the year is the most critical. This is when 35% of abandonments occur. The situation is particularly delicate during Holy Week. In other words, right now.
In fact, today we woke up to terrifying news informing us that during this holiday period, the rate of animal abandonment rises to as much as 40%, of which 70% are puppies and kittens only a few days old, according to a study carried out among more than 20 animal-protection associations in Spain.
Many of the pets that are abandoned at this time were once beautiful Christmas gifts. Beautiful and poorly considered. Because sometimes families act without sufficient awareness or preparation. They give an ARISTOPET as if they were giving a piece of jewelry or a toy. And they fail to stop and think that, from then on, this being becomes part of the family and must be cared for from the first day to the last of its life.
That is when an animal goes from being a joy, an incomparable surprise, to a nuisance, a burden, a headache. This becomes evident in everyday life, intensifies on weekends, and becomes unsustainable when families want to go on vacation. Like now. At those times when the pet prevents (or is believed to prevent) someone from carrying out the plans they want, the possibility of abandoning it is seriously considered.
Today there are countless high-quality, trustworthy options for every budget that can keep any pet cared for, looked after, and protected. Not to mention each person's own circle of trust - in other words, loved ones who would surely be willing to take care of our best friends as soon as we asked them… With foresight, there is always a solution if a pet cannot be taken on vacation. That is why it is surprising and disheartening that this phenomenon continues to occur.
For all these reasons, it is worth being prepared. It would not be surprising if any of us came across a poor abandoned animal in the coming days. And in such cases, what should we do?
The protocol for caring for an abandoned animal recommends approaching it carefully, with gentle movements, speaking slowly and in a kind tone. We must bear in mind that the animal may be extremely frightened, so we do not know how it might react. Once we have gained the trust of the ARISTODOG or ARISTOCAT, we should check the following:
-Does it have a tag? If it does and the information is up to date, you can try to contact the owner. If you cannot locate the owner, you can proceed as if the dog had no tag. In other words, check whether it has a microchip.
-Does it have a microchip? You can have this checked free of charge at the nearest veterinary clinic and locate the owners that way.
-It has no form of identification. This reduces the chances of finding the animal's owners. In this situation, in addition to contacting the collection service contracted by the City Council, you can contact local animal shelters (in the SHELTERS section of our blog, you will find some that we work with); you can take temporary responsibility for it while trying to find its owner or a new home; or, finally, you can offer it your home and complete the adoption procedures.
More than ever at this time of year, we hope the hearts of those considering abandoning their pet will soften. It is not fair to them. It is not humane. They contribute to spreading a scourge that discredits us as a species capable of thinking and feeling. We ask you to help us spread this post, in case it can dissuade those who intend to abandon their pets.
