IN ITALY, THE PHENOMENON OF ABANDONMENT AND SATURATION IS GROWING IN A worrisome WAY, AN increasingly DARKER SHADOW THAT SEEMS TO SHOW NO SIGNS OF SIGNS OF A RETURN. YET THERE IS GOOD NEWS EVERY TIME. TODAY WE TELL EXACTLY THE STORY WITH A HAPPY END “SIX SKINNY DOGS”, WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED HELL ON EARTH
Abandonment and strays: numbers destined to rise
The animals were kept in small pens on land owned by a hunter. Fortunately, their cruel captivity has come to an end, thanks to the courageous and concerted intervention of the Zoophilic guardians and the volunteers ofInternational Organization for the Protection of Animals (Oipa).
Every year, hundreds of thousands of pets are discarded as objects of no value or as toys that can be thrown away without regret, especially during the summer months.
Between the departure of the holidays and the opening of the hunting season, this sad phenomenon reaches worrying peaks, with rates approaching 25-30% of the dog and cat population.
The law prohibits the abandonment of animals, pursuant to art. 727 of the Criminal Code, in which the first paragraph states: «Anyone who abandons pets or those who have acquired the habit of captivity will be punished with a prison sentence of up to one year or with a fine of one thousand to ten thousand euros.
Despite legislation and initiatives by animal rights associations and local government authorities, the number of abandoned pets continues to grow at an alarming rate.
According to regional data from the Ministry of Health, approximately 80,000 cats and 50,000 dogs are abandoned every year. A frightening number, behind which lies a reality of suffering, deprivation and impending danger.
Why do we abandon animals?
The causes of this phenomenon are multiple and complex. Many owners seem to underestimate the commitment it takes to care for an animal.
They ignore the emotional, time, financial and responsibility demands this entails.
Adoption often results from a short-term emphasis, which is rarely accompanied by an adequate understanding of long-term commitments.
The economic component then plays an important role: the costs of maintaining an animal, including food, veterinary care and other expenses, can become an unbearable burden for some families.
In many cases, neglect is caused by unforeseen events such as transfers, separations or divorces, which drastically change the animal’s living conditions.
Consequence of abandonment
Abandonment is not only an emotional betrayal for animals, but has devastating consequences for them, both physically and psychologically. A trauma that leaves deep scars in their souls and will last their entire lives.
Social beings, dogs and cats suffer greatly when they lose their stability, in terms of love, care and protection.
Stress can even lead to their death.
Those who have been abandoned because of old age or because they are sick cannot escape.
But the tragedy doesn’t end there. The phenomenon does not only affect animals. It has an impact on society and places a burden on kennels and cat boarding facilities, which rely on community resources.
It has a negative impact on public health, with the risk of spreading infectious diseases, damaging crops and endangering motorists and residents.
If animals are left in wooded or isolated places, they come into competition with native wildlife and the natural balance.
Faced with this disturbing scenario, it is necessary to think deeply about our role as guardians of vulnerable beings.
But let’s look at the story of the six dogs.
“Skin and Bones”, history
As if they came out of a painting Egon SchieleThese skinny dogs, severely malnourished, were forced to survive in cramped and dilapidated enclosures, on land owned by a hunter.
The dogs lived submerged in their own feces, without food or water.
Their state of desolation and despair shocked everyone who met their gaze.
The arrival of the zookeepers and volunteers from theThe badrepresented the long-awaited liberation. The happiness, visible in their eyes, overflowed as soon as they realized that someone was finally taking care of them.
Without hesitation, the dogs climbed into the volunteers’ cars, ready to leave their past of suffering behind them.
Veterinary checks have revealed the cruelty inflicted on them: three men and three women have unfortunately been struck by leishmaniasis, and one will require surgery for a perianal cyst.
The road to recovery is long, but with love and care, no wound is too deep to heal.
Finally safe, finally home
Five of the dogs found refuge in a special center. Some families have therefore welcomed them into their homes and offered them a space of welcome and love. The sixth dog immediately found a new family who wanted to give him a life full of happiness and comfort.
To guarantee these vulnerable creatures a new chance at life, the section The bad of Livorno has launched a fundraising campaign.
The press release states that all proceeds from this initiative will be donated to cover the costs required for their treatment and recovery.
Once healed, they will finally be able to find a safe and loving place to call home, forgetting their sad history of abuse.
Unfortunately, for many other dogs, a happy ending is a dream.
What can we do to stop this silent drama? Awareness is the first step.
Increases awareness and sensitivity
Prospective owners should be informed of the actual obligations that adoption entails, including microchipping, sterilization and veterinary care. Existing laws must be strictly enforced, with stiff penalties for those who voluntarily abandon their pets.
It is time to tackle the problem of abandonment with a collective commitment.
It is society’s duty to ensure that animal welfare and rights are always respected.
For more information and to offer an adoption: tel. 3898187384, email livorno@oipa.org
L’The bad invites us not to ignore cases of humiliation and abuse of which one is aware and aware Always contact your zookeepers who, while fully respecting privacy, can intervene to protect animals.
To report suspicious or abusive situations in Alessandria and the provinceWrite to guardielivorno@oipa.org or complete the online form at https://www.guardiezoofile.info/livorno
For reports throughout Italy: https://www.guardiezoofile.info/nucleiattivi