In 2016, the protectors collected more than 100,000 dogs and more than 33,000 cats in Spain, according to a study published by the Affinity Foundation. Of them, the ones that always get the worst part, especially the violence, are the so-called hunting dogs, especially greyhounds and hounds, which find themselves abandoned as soon as the hunting season ends and they cease to be ” tools”. Specifically, 13% of the total abandonment corresponds to these dogs.
Another cause is unwanted litters (hence the insistence on the importance of sterilization) and the “bad” behavior of the animal, or rather, we would say, the irresponsibility of the owners. The work of the protectors is fundamental. Without them, spread throughout Spain, these animals would have no future. They are the ones who spread their cases, care about them, take care of them, find them foster homes and, in the best of cases, a definitive family that gives them the love they have stolen from them.
Although awareness of animal abuse and neglect appears to be increasing, we continue to experience chilling cases of violence and abuse day after day, not only against dogs and cats, but also horses or farm animals. The last most notorious case has been that of the sheep crammed into an Australian boat, which has attracted the spotlight on the terrible conditions in which these animals are usually, not to mention the meat industry.
As we said, the protectors carry out an invaluable work, but usually they are overwhelmed by lack of facilities, resources and financial aid. We can all contribute our grain of sand, whether by donating food, blankets, beds or cleaning products, with financial contributions or with our time as volunteers. Any small gesture is welcome, we assure you.
However, without tougher penalties for abuse and neglect, the picture will not change anytime soon. Stronger legislation is necessary, which truly punishes those who commit these atrocities, as well as greater education from the school in respect for animals.
As we believe that this scourge should have visibility, we bring you some cases from recent years that have impacted us the most.
