rate animal abandonment One of the highest in Spain Europe, According to the numbers collected by the study, about 285,000 dogs and cats are collected annually by guardians on state soils.never will 2022As part of the Affinity Foundation’s International Day of Homeless Animals, celebrated on the third Saturday of every August.

A few organizations faced with this situation, pet overpopulation problem those who depend on guardians to survive or get a second chance.

According to data from the survey, more than 1,500 animal shelters in Spain in 2021 reached 167,656 dogs (a 3.5% increase compared to the previous year) and 117,898 cats (a 5% decrease over the same period) -247 municipal shelters and 1,334 foster and private institution-.

The fate of these animals was more than 50% adoption.90% success rate compared to 10% of unsuccessful adoptions, 34% due to the animal’s behavior, 16% for more responsibility than expected, and 11% for allergies.

Nubika, a training center specializing in the veterinary industry, About 30% of returns can be prevented with good animal training and accurate knowledge of the process by the adoptive family, so “it is important to know the different breeds and their characteristics, as well as to consciously and responsibly adopt the allergies of family members”.

Encarna Carretero, communications director for the National Animal Defense Association (ANDA), attributed the abandonment to a lack of responsibility: “Many people call and say they have to change their home or job, which is understandable. Circumstances may change, but solutions must be found.”

According to the Animal Sanctuary, an agency affiliated to the Community of Madrid Environment Department, changing job or addresses, economic reasons or forced purchase are some of the reasons for abandonment. The main reasons were 21% (over 55% of cats that came to shelters last year were kittens), according to Affinity figures.

In ANDA they argue: sterilization and control of reproduction to combat overpopulation, and sources from the Ministry of Environment also assured that it was “a good measure to reduce the incidence of various diseases”.

However, they insist from the Community Animal Sanctuary of Madrid. “In choosing the controlled and responsible rearing of their animals must be compatible with the freedom of the people”, “Prohibition of private breeding will lead to the illegal breeding of unidentified animals and a possible increase in abandonment”.

According to Ministry of Environment sources, the Comprehensive Animal Shelter Center (Ciaam) manages to find homes for 85% of pets that are collected after abandonment, sometimes with chips that can be returned to their owners.

According to the data of the Community of Madrid reception centres, In the first half of 2022, more than 3,000 dogs and cats were adopted through Ciaam and other protected areas in the area.

Carretero said that the ratification of the Animal Rights Act on August 1, prohibiting the pet trade, improving animal collection in municipal centers or inspection and control system, especially kittens; in addition to banning circus performances with wild animals and inclusion in the future bill of the positive list regulating the possession and trade of exotic pets.

However, the Animal Protection District warned of other aspects not included in the law, such as “the prohibition of commercialization of animals in stores may lead to the illegal sale of animals or the necessity to protect the survival of animals.” native fauna itself (damaged and destroyed by invasive species)”.

They insist on ownership before buying from Ciaam and ANDA, and they work to raise awareness and take responsibility while taking ownership, taking into account requirements such as time, sufficient space and costs.