Dogs given a voice

Protest against law change

By Nikki Luxford
A PROTEST against the possible change in law regarding animal sanctuaries and protection pounds took place in Valencia on Saturday night.

If an amendment to law 4/94 is passed, private enterprises will be allowed to take over the care of homeless and abandoned animals, therefore eliminating the need for non-profit rescue centres and associations.

More than 1,000 people turned out with their dogs on the day, which marked International Animal Rights day.

Placards and banners bearing the slogans 'We want to give love, not money', and 'Defend their rights' were brandished.

A Spanish woman who was present at the demonstration said: "If it had not been for the rescue centres, my three dogs would not be here today.

"Two of them were found in dustbins and the other just wandering the streets.

"If the private companies take over, these dogs, who are part of my family, would have been killed."

An expat who was also present said: "We need to stop this madness. Private companies take in abandoned, sick and injured animals, give them no treatment and little food, and put them down after 10 to 15 days."

Read more in this weeks Costa Blanca News edition

{moscomment}