Dogs Bred For Fighting - The Tragedy
It pains me every day when I Iook at our incarcerated dogs bred traditionally for fighting, the ‘dangerous’ dogs, the so-called ‘bullies’. There are no formally banned dog breeds in Spain. There are restrictions on owning some of these breed types in Spain (muzzles and on-leash in public places are mandatory). We have more than 60 of these dogs in the Scooby shelter, including around 9 Belgian Malinois who can be very dangerous in inexperienced hands. We cannot home these 60, even if there were a demand for them. We have investigated the possibility of transferring them to fit and proper owners in countries where they can be lawfully kept and exempt from euthanasia if they don't pose any risk to public safety.
However, this is a strategy thwarted with problems and risks, and would add to the rescue crisis overseas. This is not our intention. Under our animal laws here in Spain, we cannot consider a kind course of action for these dogs to find them peace because euthanasia of dogs without a veterinary second opinion is illegal. These dogs would not meet the permissible legislative standard.
These 60 dogs are consigned to a life in a confined space, with an enclosed pen, food and water. Whenwe built our kennels 25 years ago, they were designed to be a stop-gap for rescued dogs. A place of shelter until homes could be found for the dogs. The idea was to have a speedy throughput: rescue, neuter, medical check, adoption. A few years ago we were instructed by the local authorities to take in a group of dogs (of fighting breed types) who had killed an elderly man as he walked leisurely past them in the countryside. The news story understandably shocked TV audiences and the Madrid investigators came to the shelter to collect the evidence from the dogs. At that point we had to install doors that could be lowered using a pulley system from a distance so that we could secure the dog at the back of kennel, serve water and dog food, and clean the kennels without a risk to the staff.
That was a significant day and meant that a part of our shelter changed. It became a prison for those dogs. Now we have 60 who have either been surrendered to us or rescued from criminal elements in society. These poor dogs are languishing unnecessarily in the shelter. Something has to change in our laws to reduce the stress on these dogs, allow us to take the kindest course of action and to address the unscrupulous breeding.
As ever, we are faced with immense challenges and do our best to make life better for the animals we save. We are very grateful to you, our supporters, for your backing. If we have one plea, please pass this newsletter to friends and family or introduce them to our social media to help us spread the word.
Thank you!
Fermin Perez, President
How to help ScoobyProte
Comments