10 animals abandoned every day in the city of Alicante

TEN dogs are abandoned on the streets of Alicante every day. This is the average according to the Asoka association that defends and protects animals. “The figures do vary, one day we pick up 22 puppies, another day fewer,” said president Pilar Esteva.
Last year in Alicante they collected 1,300 dogs and around 500 cats, of which more than half were adopted by different families and with 80 per cent being adopted abroad, particularly to Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and the UK. Only one per cent of adoptions of these rescued animals are to Spaniards, nearly all are to foreigners, with those taking in one of the animals paying a donation allowing Asoka to continue its work.
The association is able to save 99.9 per cent of the animals and last year spent around €300,000 on vaccines and meals; money raised through the help of volunteers and supporters. There are over 100 valued and needed volunteers at various centres, yet with the number of dogs and cats being abandoned on the streets increasing every day, Asoka say they are in continual need of more resources and volunteers.
According to the College of Veterinarians of Alicante, last year around 30,645 dogs were registered in the province and the loss of 871 dogs was recorded, but there is an increase in the number being abandoned with one vet blaming the problem on the fact that owners do not neuter their animals, so litters come along and people do not have the time or money to care for them.
For more information on the charity visit www.asokaelgrande.org