Why save abandoned animals in Spain? A Volunteer explains

The British have a reputation as animal lovers – considering the number of cruelty cases the RSPCA deal with, that statement is often questioned. But there is no doubt that when Brits move abroad to live, they find it difficult to ignore the plight of abandoned animals – dog, cats, horses, donkeys – and are drawn into helping these innocent abused souls.

This is the story of one such Brit who moved many years ago to live in Spain.

‘The majority of people are very supportive of the work of the many shelters in Spain. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to help so many dogs. However there is occasionally a negative comment or criticism and this can be very hurtful and demoralising.

Before the current financial crisis, the incentive for people to move to live in Spain was for a relaxed lifestyle and good weather; no-one came with the intention of being involved in animal welfare. Coming from a country (Britain) where there are established national charities and authorities that will enforce laws to protect animals, it is very much a culture shock to see how woeful the system is in Spain. The lack of compassion or respect for animals motivates people to take some form of action.

You can no longer ignore animals in distress and, before you know it, you are taking in abandoned dogs or running a shelter. Without such people, the situation in Spain would be much worse. These ‘animal saviours’ give up their lives to help the dogs and cats and care for them to their best of their ability, with few resources or money.

I didn’t decide to become involved in animal welfare because I wanted a pat on the back, I did it because I wanted to. I never complain that I am working longer hours than I ever did when I had my own business and I have met some amazing people along the way. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction that we are able to save a dog and ensure it has a happy and healthy life forever.

I say to these people who think they have the right to criticise, ‘instead of being negative, why not support the people who need your support. Do something positive. Come and spend a few days in our shoes and maybe you will be more considerate towards those who are in the front line on a daily basis.’

I was always content to give help where I could, but two events pushed me into becoming more involved.

The first was seeing a small defenceless puppy which had been brutally attacked by a human, and left with terrible injuries. Without help, she would have had an agonising death.

Then a few months ago I received a phone call; a friend had discovered a hound tied to a tree. My friend was in such a state that I jumped in the car and drove over I found the dog beaten within an inch of its life; it must have a had a very bad blow to the head because there was blood coming out of its ears. Covered in open wounds and with a broken back leg, it had been left tied to a tree to suffer excruciating pain.

My friend undid the rope but was afraid to touch the dog in case it bit her, it was in so much pain. I sat on the ground and cradled the dog in my arms knowing it was too far gone to save. He looked up to me and gave his last breath and was gone.

No photos or videos can ever reflect how devastating something like that can be but it was the defining moment for me to try a make a difference.’

This is why I am always full of praise for all the volunteers, whatever nationality, who live with this type of cruelty on a daily basis. Please support them in their work, whether it be with donations for vet care, publicity for the work they do, and where possible, taking one of their rescued hounds into your heart and your home forever.