ACTIN – an overview of their work in 2014

As you know, I publicise the work ACTIN do on behalf of all animal rescue associations in Spain, trying to improve the lot of the abandoned and maltreated animals. Here is a word from the founder Viv Wharton.

Happy New Year and a big thank you to the many who have helped us. We thought you might like to see what you have helped Actin Association achieve in 2014

It has been just over one year since Actin responded to the many worrying calls of eyewitness accounts regarding a local pound. We ended up rescuing so many dogs and it was such a task without having a rescue shelter, with no funds and with the animals having unexpected illnesses. Thankfully our supporters responded to our calls for assistance, because without them we would not have had a chance. In hindsight we would have been under less pressure, had we been better equipped and prepared but we acted with our hearts and when we saw the faces of those dogs, we could not leave them behind to suffer.

The main objective and what we intended, was for justice and to put a stop to the wrong doings. A court case is now in progress and we hope that there will be justice for those animals; if so, surely it will have a beneficial effect on other pounds in Spain, where similar atrocities take place. Actin hope it will be a further movement towards change and to the powers that be, of the many problems for animals in Spain, due to a lack of an animal welfare act and no adherence to the protection laws. Sadly an ingrained culture, that encourages disrespect for animals and no regard for their pain, suffering, or welfare and lack of education is also a huge problem.

Throughout 2014, Actin were guilty of rescuing animals, when we so blatantly and publicly express, ‘we are not a rescue’, so why do we still do it then? It’s because we have to, (there simply isn’t enough rescues and resources to cope with the huge amount of animals needing help)…. AND so we have no regrets.

BUT in 2015 we will be trying not to put ourselves under the pressure of so many rescues, as it detracts us from the work we set up to do. We cannot promise though, because as individuals, how can we walk past an animal in danger, or in need? So please forgive of us for this weakness in our intentions! We would dearly love to partner with a rescue that could support us in our endeavours and help take some of the animals that WE HAVE to rescue, to enable us to focus more.

We do promise though, to continue with Actin’s work, which is to fight cruelty and injustice towards animals and to promote everything necessary to reduce the problems. Our plans to promote steriisation and better care for animals in Spain, are underway for 2015.

Throughout 2014 we have worked as hard as we can and have made some achievements:-
•We were awarded a fund of 2,550 Euros for legal fees for the pound court case; the fund awarded by the group Fondo 337, who are fighting for justice for animals and support groups who are trying to bring to light the extent of the problems we have in Spain for animals. We were awarded this on the basis of their confidence in our work, the evidence that was collected, plus our legal team’s recommendations on the strength of this case.

•Since the summer of 2014, we have issued seventeen denuncias for crimes against animals!!! The complaints range from dogs tied up without food and water, to owners who killed their own pets. We will be reporting more details on these very soon.
•We have rescued and homed more than 88 dogs throughout 2014. We could not have done this without donations and foster carers, we are so very grateful to all of the people who have helped us homed-dogs.

On board we now have a great patron and supporter, Colin Fry – International celebrity medium. Colin has contributed to helping us through his International tour and his donating fans, since the summer. Colin understands and supports completely what Actin is trying to accomplish and we look forward to achieving even more, with his support in 2015.

• In other small ways we are starting to make a difference, by speaking to people and trying to change ignorant and wrong attitudes towards animals. By showing them the laws that they are breaking, and why and how they are not treating their animals as they should. It helps to bring awareness, some just need to be told and pointed in the right direction because of a culture that does not hold animals in regard, they have never known any other way. It is challenging to convert those people, but the changes come little by little. We as advocates for the animals need to be their voice. Check out our downloads page for information you can distribute www.actin-spain.com.

•We have developed a rapport with a division of the local Guardia; they are helping a lot with our cause and with the reports we receive of cruelty and neglect. They have been enabling us to move forward more quickly with investigations and denuncias.
•Actin has drawn together a lot of fantastic supporters, who have done many things to help us throughout 2014 – fundraisers; people who share; those who just give us an encouraging word of support. We are so grateful – thank you to all of you.

So summing up 2014 – We think we have achieved a few things and made some movements towards a better life for animals, but we know its not enough yet. Thankfully there are many others also doing good work and consequently changes are happening, albeit slowly (but surely); good luck to those groups as well, we know it can be a thankless task, especially when we don’t see immediate results.

Actin Association pledge to continue our work and our plans, of which we have many and so please – we ask for your continued support in 2015.

Thank you to all our supporters and helpers and a big thanks to the team mates in Actin for all their hard work.

Happy New Year
Actin Team