These days, some news has come to light that, as ARISTOPETERS, worries us a lot. We want to share it in case our small contribution can help to further visualize the problem and accelerate a solution. It seems that the Animal Protection Center of the Madrid City Council is more than saturated. This makes the situation for the poor ARISTOPETS sheltered there complicated. Meanwhile, the situation for those who "aspire" to find a temporary home there is even worse. Because, literally, the center is refusing them entry. Why is this happening?
A year ago, the so-called "Zero Sacrifice Law" came into force in the Community of Madrid. This popular legislative initiative was promoted by the animal shelter "El refugio" and represented a great step forward in defending animal rights, as it tacitly prohibits the sacrifice of dogs and cats. This was undoubtedly a milestone. However, it was not without its challenges.
Shelters and rescue centers that care for dogs and cats must, of course, meet certain habitability standards, mainly concerning food and hygiene. The entry into force of this law necessarily means that there will be more and more four-legged inhabitants in these places, which —we insist— must meet minimum conditions. 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 dedicated to their care. But... how? Do the centers have sufficient resources and funding to be able to do this?
Furthermore, although the law was promoted by the Community, it is the responsibility of the city councils. The Community of Madrid has allocated a fund of aid for animal shelters which, according to their sources, amounts to one million euros. This aid can be requested by the city councils according to their needs. So, why is the Animal Protection Center of the Madrid City Council in this situation? The city council claims that the subsidies are insufficient. Meanwhile, the Community asserts that the city council has not requested the aid (which could have been done directly here, although the deadline has passed). The protection center argues that they have not requested the aid because it is so small that it would not be enough to meet the real demands of the current situation. According to them, solving the problem of lack of space requires an investment that they cannot afford, neither with their own means nor with the subsidies, which has led to the center being collapsed and refusing shelter to homeless animals.
The consequences of this situation are already serious, but they could become even more so. The well-being of pets is no longer guaranteed, because as the Indian proverb says, "when elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers." And in this case, it is more than evident that the victims of this dispute of tit-for-tat are the pets. It greatly affects them how long or short it takes to find a solution to this problem. And worst of all: they are at our mercy, they cannot end this conflict themselves. So, from ARISTOPET, we kindly ask that all possible efforts be made by all organizations to resolve the situation of this Center. Regardless of political affiliations, of winning or losing votes, what is at stake is the well-being and health of many ARISTODOGS and ARISTOCATS. Therefore, we sincerely hope that an agreement is reached as soon as possible.