From New Dawn Welfare, UK.
You probably heard in the news about the wild fires in Southern Spain. On
31st August we received the terrible news that Kim’s Animal Rescue in
La Cala de Mijas had been badly affected.
On the night 30th/31st August the rescue had to be evacuated. The volunteers
at the rescue worked tirelessly through the night to try to evacuate as many
dogs and cats as possible. The local police at 1 a.m in the morning closed off
all the roads leading to the rescue, saying it was too dangerous. The only way
to access the rescue was through the dried river-bed which covers an area at the
bottom of the valley. The helpers drove their cars along the dried river-bed to
get within 100 yards of the lower part of the rescue, the cattery.
They then had to make their way up the mountain where the top kennels holding the dogs are and then walk the dogs down the mountain to the river-bed – through this method
they were led to safety. Many locals have taken these dogs to their homes, also
a rescue took over 40 dogs.
The worst situation developed at the cattery, where the cats just had to be let
loose, as there was literally no time to collect them up. At this point some cats
are returning but their situation is dire that we feel that some cats have not made
it as the fire was ripping through the valley.
Kim and her partner Richard had literally left the rescue 15 hours before to drive
22 dogs in the van to their new owners in Switzerland and only became aware in
the early hours of Friday. She is obviously shattered and very distressed. They
have arrived in Switzerland yesterday and are making plans as we write to fly
back to Spain.
This has now become a major operation as there is no water, no electricity that
can be used. We are appealing to you as supporters, can you help. As soon as
we have more information we will advise.
The rescue is in desperate need of blankets, bedding, food, water etc. – especially
if you know anyone living the the area of La Cala de Mijas could you please ask
them to help, also foster homes are desperately needed. Of course monetary
donations are most welcome. Donations can be made through Kim’s website or
alternatively to us in the UK by bank transfer (bank details can be found on Kim’s
website) or by paypal to newdawnwelfare@yahoo.co.uk – please make sure you
send it as a “gift” to avoid paypal fees.
More information can be found on Kim’s website: www.kimsanimalrescue.com
Please, please help if you can.
Kindest Regards
Peter & Susannah
NEW DAWN UK ANIMAL WELFARE
Video of the fires
Reports say that over 5,000 people lost their homes