Ecoy, it is an American Stafford that just a year and half was left in the Protective Association of Animals and Plants of Granada. His family could no longer take care of him because he changed residence and decided to leave in a shelter to give it another chance. However, from this moment, the life of Ecoy completely broke.
The dog, which until then was sociable and had good relationships with other animals and children, not take long to catch the attention of a young man who loved the "dangerous breeds of dogs" by the discrimination. This guy decided to adopt.
Unfortunately, one night before Ecoy again have a family, they stole with Betty, a bulldog.
Fortunately, thanks to the spread in social, to the work of the Civil Guard and to Ecoy wearing a microchip networks, managed to locate the two dogs.
Ecoy was returned by one of the robbers apologetically that a friend had given it to take care of him and did not know it was stolen. Her companion, Betty, was abandoned in a nearby town. The police operation was saved by two people arrested.
Robbed and priming for dogfighting
Corinnha Willhoft, directors of this protective recalls the time when he again saw the American Stanfford and relates that can recognize it quickly, unlike her since her appearance was very different: "they had fattened and was deformed". Ecoy had been used for illegal dog fights and was full of wounded in the head and neck, like Betty.
Although just needed recovery, Ecoy finally was not adopted because the young man had already chosen another dog of these features and Betty was welcomed by the Willhoft own. Moreover, from this experience, Ecoy changed his attitude, though their relationship with humans is still good, it became a "territorial animal" and can no longer be with other animals; why difficult adoption by the strict rules existing in this race.
Unfortunately, Ecoy already has spent nearly four years in the shelter, becoming the veteran protective and is still waiting for a family to adopt. And it is that even though most animals are eventually adopted or returned to their owners, a very significant percentage remain in the shelter and are even killed, according to the Affinity Foundation.
However, some animals do have luck, as in the case of Serafin, a blind puppy from birth was launching a night for one of the fences of the facilities of the same protective. Willhoft, the next day found him disoriented and frightened. The dog was dirty and full of ticks, thanks to social networks, however a German woman saw him and did not hesitate to adopt it. Now, Serafin has been a year living in Germany in a home where you really want.
These are just the stories of some dogs that have been "forgotten" but there are many more similar because during 2015 were abandoned more than 137,000 pets, 104,501 dogs and 33,330 cats in Spain. It is the main reasons for this practice: the animal's behavior, unwanted litters, lack of economic resources, the end of the hunting season and the change of address according to the latest report by the Affinity Foundation.
Although the data of pets that have come to shelters and protective is lower compared to other years must take into account that it is a modest decline on a still very high figures only.
For this reason, the Civil Guard launched last Friday a campaign to combat child abuse and abandonment of pets has had the collaboration of actors and actresses. With this video with the hashtag #YoSiPuedoContarlo intended to raise public awareness about the need for animal welfare and to denounce the conduct counter measures.
Currently, the Protective Association of Animals and Plants of Granada has occupied all of its facilities with 70 dogs and 30 cats. In fact, a few weeks ago he had to close four days by an avalanche of abandonment of animals because each must undergo the process discussed above.
Adopt instead of buying
One of the fundamental problems of abandonment of animals is that most pets are gifts, according to the Affinity Foundation, so this factor favors abandonment in the future.
Moreover, another very important part of the pets are bought and before this fact Willhoft proclaims that "we must adopt and not buy" because they are "living beings" and in shelters many animals waiting to be adopted and is safe in them " there is a perfect animal for each family. "
This review is consistent with Ruben Arias, President of the Association Against Animal Abandonment and Educator Canino, who states that are "dogs who elect people" and not the reverse.
Do not abandon and collaborates
To end this situation, from the Affinity Foundation, recommended: pets neutered to avoid unwanted litters, adopt an animal and to volunteer or partner of a protective entity.
It is also very important to identify pets properly with a microchip, a practice that is becoming more common in dogs, but deficient in cats, because in many cases the animals arriving at shelters are not due to retirements but losses .
Meanwhile, Willhoft adds that another good option is to be a foster home while looking for a home for abandoned animal. Although what with Arias reiterates the importance of educating society that pets have feelings and that should be considered "a family member", not a "working tool". And of course, we must be more responsible if you decide to acquire or have a pet.