A horrendous situation unfolded this week when 65 dogs under the care of Phil Nelson and his charity Dingo Dogs were evicted from a plot of land near Guia de Isora.

A court order was obtained by the owner of the land, and the Judge then instructed the Ayuntamiento of Guia de Isora to remove the dogs. By law, animals must be transported safely and kept in an clean area, with fresh water, food and access to medicines if needed. These dogs however were taken to a small place intended for goats, some 10 x 12 metres, with little shade, and no water or food. One dog died within 30 minutes (pictured).

Live Arico´s Eugenio was called to assist and found the situation to be horrific. A finca has now been arranged as a temporary measure but they can only stay there for 21 days.

Through FECAPAP (Federación Canaria de Asociaciones Protectores de Animales y Plantas) a denuncia has been made against the Ayuntamiento of Guia de Isora citing the many breaches made in regard to the welfare of these poor creatures, including the fact that no vet or qualified person was present in their transportation.

It is expected that this story will make the Spanish news, and Eugenio hopes that, although this situation is diabolical, it will force the animal welfare issue further into the public eye and the powers that be will finally concede that land is urgently needed for an official rescue centre. After all, Live Arico, K9, Dingo´s, and all the other animal rescues in the south exist because the town halls have done nothing about the problem of abandoned animals. A rescue centre has finally been acquired for the North, in El Sauzal, but nothing for the South, and that needs to change, and change quickly given that in a matter of days, these 65 dogs will be homeless yet again.

Article by Sue Havenhand

Update

“There was a meeting, this afternoon Thursday 30th July with FECAPAP and Guia de Isora Ayuntamiento. Most of the dogs are going to be taken to the Cabildo´s own refuge in El Sauzal, and the rest divided between the refuges affiliated to FECAPAP, eg Live Arico. €15,000 is to be made available to deflea, worm and vaccinate them and any money left over will be divided amongst the refuges who have taken the animals. Live Arico have taken 3 already. The dogs should be gone from the finca by the weekend.
There will be a meeting another meeting tomorrow Fri 31st July, with FECAPAP to discuss the possible purchase of the land in Fasnia, on which to contrust a rescue centre for the south of the island.