The number
of dogs that have arrived at the shelter between January and April has
practically doubled in comparison to the same period last year. If this continues, by
the end of 2017 Scooby would be home to more than 800 dogs, a number Scooby
would not be able to care for due to a lack of resources.
Between
January and April 2017, Scooby have collected 636 dogs and 104 cats: 233 in
Medina del Campo, 149 in Zamora, 102 in Palencia, 117 in Salamanca, 33 in
Valladolid and 2 in Cuellar. That's nearly double the amount of dogs collected the previous year, fact that has made us raise the alarm.
Even though
the number of adoptions has also increased (488 adoption between Jan-April) at
present we have 150 more dogs than we had in January living at Scooby. If
abandonment continues at this rate, by the end of 2017 our shelters
will be homing around 800 dogs for which we do not have the facilities, space
or resources.
Awareness
and control by the administration: the only solution.
The
solution to this situation lies on raising
awareness around the need of neutering pets to avoid unwanted litters
and on strict control measures with regards to pet ownership. But in order to do so, we demand the help
of the administration.
The abandonment of dogs is a big issue in Castilla y León, and despite the never-ending
hard work shelters put in, this will not end until that part of the population who breeds
uncontrollably and abandons becomes aware of the damage they are causing.
Volunteering
and help.
In order to tackle and face such high numbers
of abandonment, here at Scooby we are asking you for help, either by becoming a
volunteer or by making a regular or
one-off donation. We are also appealing for all those considering getting a dog
to adopt rather than buy.