CULTURE OR CRUELTY?

For many people when you think of Spain, what comes to mind? Glorious sunshine, fabulous beaches, sangria, delicious Paellas and wonderful Fiestas.

Go inland to the Campo (the countryside) and one becomes very aware of the realities of life in Spain where animals are concerned.  We are all aware of many countries that carry out barbaric treatment of animals but some of you may be surprised to hear that Spain, a supposed modern Western country, falls into this category. In fact, many, many EU citizens consider Spain to be the cruellest country in the whole of Europe! Bull fighting is seen as a symbol of Spanish culture and has been an active blood sport for around 300 years. Fortunately this cruel sport is now under attack as never before from animal rights campaigners. So much so that Barcelona who boasted of having three Bull rings now only have the one. One is too many, in my opinion, but at least it’s a step in the right direction. But what about the plight of dogs out here?  Again, you will hear the words “but it’s Spanish culture!” What?? To do the terrible things that they do?  Why on earth does culture have to include cruelty?  If you weren’t aware of it the hanging of dogs that are no longer wanted is still considered as a culture and continues throughout Spain.

But it’s not just about culture. The number of pets that are abandoned is increasing at an alarming rate and animal rescue organisations are desperately struggling to cope with trying to re-home them. Many Ex Pats move out to Spain, acquire a few dogs then over a period of time, for a variety of reasons, decide that they want to go back to their own country. The dog(s) are discarded like a book or CD they no longer want. With the economic situation being as it is, more and more animals are being left behind as people say Adios to Spain.  If an organisation is unable to help then they are either turned loose where they have to take their chances or they are literally left behind. When this happens the dog just thinks it’s owners are popping out for a while so “I’ll just lie here until they come back”, except they never do.   I have witnessed this for myself.  For those who are turned loose it then becomes all about sheer survival for them.  When I first moved out here, 5 years ago, within a few days I saw my first dead body on the roadside and was utterly shocked. I was told I would soon get used to seeing such sights. Wrong!  I will never get used to seeing this.  I have removed dead dogs from the middle of the road and placed them with dignity where they cannot be run over again and wept every time.  Those who escape the roads face starvation and thirst or if they’re really, really lucky will be taken in by some passing, caring motorist. This is how I found Lady!

Many of these dogs are not sterilised.  You can be walking or driving and invariably you will see stray dogs either abandoned or born in the wild, hungry and frightened and living out a very sad existence.  And more and more puppies are being born as a result.

This is a sobering thought:
It is a fact that if never spayed or neutered, a female dog, her mate and their puppies could produce over 66,000 dogs in 6 years.  Just where are the homes needed for all these dogs going to come from??

These 3 week old babies were abandoned in the Campo and left to die.  There were 5 in total.  With the help of some wonderful Spanish men I was able to retrieve them from this small cave and then take them all to my Vet who agreed to take care of them for a period of time until somebody could be found to give them the care they so desperately needed.

Safe and sound and after careful nurturing, homes were found for all of them!