Rabies update
Actin’s legal team have been closely involved with the recent consequences of the rabies outbreak in Toledo, so we are pleased to give you this first-hand update.
Recently we reported that the bulletin that went out in all major cities including Murcia, requesting that pet animals, dogs, cats and ferrets will need to be vaccinated by 31st August. After this, animals not vaccinated, can be removed and destroyed.
This information is important for all charities, shelters, private kennels and owners of animals, as it is possible that it may be required to prove the animals are vaccinated. If owners and shelter managers are not able to provide this, then they risk their animals being removed and put to sleep.
After the information came out, many were worried about the implications that this could have for all animals, those in Perreras and the abandonados. Many people were particularly concerned about what would happen to street dogs and for this there is some good news. In Toledo where the first rabies case was identified, a project is being set up by some Associations to help the street dogs. All the dogs will be rounded up and taken into shelter, where they will be sterilised and vaccinated. This is very good news because if this project is successful it could have some very positive outcome for other areas of Spain.
As for Perrera dogs, nothing will change, many animals are put to sleep daily in the Perreras and this will not change for worse necessarily.
Perhaps some good will come from the tragic outbreak of rabies after all, as the situation is being very well looked into and great concern is being shown that the rabies virus will not spread. However, the fact that many good and caring animal welfare Associations are involved, means that the worry of an uncaring over-reaction of the situation by the authorities in general, will be avoided. We hope that this may bring vital necessary sterilisation programmes, that could possibly help the abandonment problem.
Taken from the Actin-Spain website
Please note anyone can download the official law from our website.
