These days, a piece of news has come to light that concerns us greatly as ARISTOPETERS. We want to share it in case our small contribution can help bring even more visibility to the problem and speed up a solution. It appears that the Madrid City Council Animal Protection Centre is more than overcrowded. As a result, the situation of the poor ARISTOPETS taking refuge there is difficult. Meanwhile, the situation of those who “aspire” to find a temporary home there is even worse. Because, quite literally, the centre is refusing to admit them. Why is this happening?
A year ago, the so-called “Zero Euthanasia Law” came into force in the Community of Madrid. This popular legislative initiative was promoted by the animal welfare organisation “El Refugio” and represented a major step forward in defending animal rights, as it expressly prohibits the euthanasia of dogs and cats. This was undoubtedly a milestone. That said, it was not without its challenges.
Shelters and rescue centres that care for dogs and cats must, of course, meet habitability standards, primarily regarding food and hygiene. The entry into force of this law necessarily means that there are increasingly more four-legged residents in these places, which - we insist - must meet minimum standards. The questions this raises are inevitable:
How can rescued dogs and cats live in good conditions if there are more and more of them? Yes, by expanding the facilities intended for their care. But… how? Do the centres have sufficient resources and funding to do this?
Moreover, although the law was promoted by the Community, responsibility for it lies with the city councils. The Community of Madrid has made aid available to animal welfare organisations which, according to its own sources, amounts to one million euros. City councils can apply for this aid according to their needs. So why has the Madrid City Council Animal Protection Centre reached this point? The city council maintains that the grants are insufficient. Meanwhile, the Community says that the city council has not applied for the aid, which could be done directly here, although the application period has expired. The protection centre argues that it did not apply for the aid because it is so limited that it would not be enough to address the situation’s real demands. According to the centre, solving the lack of space requires an investment that it cannot afford, either with its own resources or with the grants. This has led to the centre becoming overwhelmed and refusing shelter to animals that have been left without a home.
The consequences of this situation are already serious enough, but they could become even worse. Pets’ welfare is no longer guaranteed, because, as the Indian proverb says, “when elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” In this case, it is more than evident that the victims of this quarrel of accusations and arguments are the pets. It affects them greatly whether the solution to this problem comes sooner or later. And worst of all, they are at our mercy; they cannot end this conflict themselves. Therefore, ARISTOPET asks that every possible effort be made by all the relevant bodies to resolve the situation at this centre. Regardless of political colours or whether it means gaining or losing votes, what is at stake is the welfare and health of very many ARISTODOGS and ARISTOCATS. We sincerely hope that an agreement can be reached as soon as possible.