There are of course significant advantages to adopting rather than buying a puppy. “Most abandoned dogs are already house trained and don't require as much initial energy as a puppy since they've already matured and are not as hyperactive,” says Isabell Belva, president of a rescue shelter in the Ebre delta. “They are ideal for retirees or those without young children such as foreigners who have relocated here.”
The Fundación Affinity estimates that in 2005, around 96,500 dogs were abandoned in Spain. Andalucía accounted for the most with around 22,000 followed by 14,000 in Catalunya. The foundation stressed however that although these figures are high, the number is steadily decreasing every year. Nevertheless, the number of these dogs that have been absorbed by animal shelters is currently at an all time high. Until quite recently, most abandoned dogs in Catalunya wouldn’t have had much hope of surviving long once they had been rescued. If owners did not collect them within 10 days or a suitable home was not found quickly, they were put to sleep by lethal injection. To the delight of the animal right activists, this practice was illegalised in 2003. However, animal shelters are now more overloaded than ever before.
Two of the biggest dog homes in Barcelona are the Centre d'Acolliment d'Animals de Companyia (CAAC)-known more commonly as 'La Perrera'- and the Lliga Protectora d'Animals I Plantea de Barcelona. Belgian Chantal Rosa adopted Leo, a mongrel, from La Pererra in 2005 and says despite initial nerves, she has been delighted with the decision. “Leo was found tied to a tree at the entrance of La Pererra,” said Chantal. “I'd seen him on their website before going there and we eventually spotted him huddled up shivering at the back of his cage. The adoption process was less intimidating than I thought-I was worried it would be a big responsibility but in the end, I and everyone else loved him so much that I didn't worry about it anymore.”
Latest Comments