Call off the dogs

IN light of the vicious social media backlash following the third annual dog show in Frigiliana, Mayor Jose Antonio Gonzalez Conejero has announced that all such shows have now been axed in his municipality.

The official was keen to stress that the event on October 1 fulfilled all legal requirements, and that the animals on display suffered no abuse and were cared for by their owners, who made food and water available at all times.

A veterinarian was also present and the dogs were allowed to rest in the shade as the owners saw fit.

The mayor also pointed out the town’s commitment to animal welfare, as he mentioned recent discussions with his counterparts in Nerja and Torrox for a joint shelter for abandoned pets.

However, following the controversy and negative opinion generated by this year’s show, during which critics said that the dogs suffered unnecessarily in the heat and were too tightly chained, among other complaints, the mayor was left with little choice but to cancel future editions.

He finished his statement by affirming that although photos of the show were posted on Frigiliana’s official Facebook page, his council team had “nothing to do” with organising the event.