Spain addresses pet abandonment and animal welfare

Pet abandonment rates have increased in the Mieres municipal shelter in Asturias, Spain, during the vacation period. The facility, which was recently nearly empty, now houses 21 animals, including 16 dogs and 5 cats. Manager Paulino Fernández reported that animals are frequently being abandoned in groups, including a litter of eight malnourished pitbull puppies. Fernández emphasized the need for responsible ownership, noting that the municipality cannot cover all medical costs, such as microchipping and vaccinations, for every abandoned animal.

In Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the local Animal Welfare Delegation is addressing pet ownership through educational initiatives. With dogs present in 74% of Spanish households with pets, the city is hosting a series of workshops led by canine educator Manu Pareja. Titled ‘Do you think you know dogs?’, these sessions aim to teach families about canine behavior, selection, and interaction to promote better coexistence and animal welfare.