News - 2005 / 6...El Dia - Animals Without Homes    

Foreword…The below article was written in response to a person or persons unknown abandoning a mother dog and her four puppies in one of the tunnels near Valle Gran Rey.  Two of the puppies were hit by cars and died.  The mother and one of the puppies were subsequently captured, after some hard work and patience, by members of PAG and some volunteers (experienced trappers from Tenerife), with the collaboration of the Valle Gran Rey City Hall. The last puppy is still at large.

Translation as reported in the electronic paper “El Dia”, Saturday, 7 October 2006

EDISA SUÃREZ, S/C de Tfe.

The Island of La Gomera is considered a very attractive destination for visitors.  It is especially inviting to hikers and a wonderful place to live.  Unfortunately, some of the local sights are somewhat distressing. 

(The local Animal Protection Association), Pro Animal Gomera (PAG)  has repeatedly denounced the practice, by some, of abandoning animal in all districts of the Island.  Many dogs and cats are now roaming the streets and countryside because their “owners” abandoned them.  They are not provided food or water and often have contagious diseases which can be transmitted to other animals.

The Vice President of PAG, Nereo Darias, said “We have found cats in garbage containers or locked into places where they could not get out, and eventually died of hunger”, and “In other cases, some animals have been mistreated by neighbors who do not wish to have them (the animals) around even to the extent of using poison”.

He went on to say, “This Association (PAG) has put as much effort as they can into saving those abused animals, by doing the very best it can to take care of them and get them off the streets.  Many people from foreign countries have volunteered to help.  However, the main problem that PAG has is the same as many other Animal Protection Associations,  there is no place to house these dogs and cats  when they are found (rescued).   Since it (PAG) doesn’t  have any place for them, the members sometimes take them into their own homes or transport the animals to Tenerife where they are taken care of.”

Nerea stated further, “The Island of La Gomera has no Animal Shelter or similar facility to house these abandoned and abused pets.  Another problem is that we (PAG) do not receive any public funding (we work strictly through donations) which means that we can not help them all (there are too many).  For instance, spaying a female cat costs approximately €65.00, and spaying a female dog can cost up to €230.00.”

Lolly Herrera, a member of  PAG, stated, “Nothing has ever been done on the Island of La Gomera for animals, not even a campaign of sensibilitation”.

PAG, which is part of  F.E.C.A.P.A.D (Federacion canaria de asociaciones protectoras de animales y plantas) and is supported by ANDA (Asociacion nacional de defensa para los animales), has presented documents to the Cabildo (Island government) and  to the Ayuntamientos (different City Halls) of the Island to express their concern regarding the problems and to request the funds necessary to help in the solution of said problems.

A SHELTER IS MORE THAN NECESSARY!

The Animal Protectors have asked the Cabildo to assist the Ayuntamientos in funding enough money for property, the building of  the Shelter itself and the cost of operating it.  “ We are speaking of one Shelter for the whole Island, and that should be more than enough”, said Nereo Darias, who also added that “We agree to do all that is in our power, but we need the help of the authorities”.

PAG presented a petition containing more than 500 signatures asking for a solution for the lack of a Shelter and requesting a special service for dead animals.  PAG declared that it is not only an emergency and a necessity, but it is also part of the law of “Ordenación Sanitaria de Canarias y protección Animal”.  PAG has also presented a proposed Project to the Ayuntamientos  for a Shelter on the Island and to also control various animal diseases that could effect humans.