There has been a dramatic increase in pet abandonment since the end of the lockdown.
It's been over a year since the first state of alarm was declared in Spain due to the pandemic, and with it, the lockdown that lasted several months. The change it brought to our lives was very noticeable, including people's behavior during the lockdown, which unfortunately also led to an increase in fraudulent adoptions in order to have an excuse to go outside. According to estimates by the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE), there was a demand for more than 5,000 dogs during that period. That is, a 50% increase. These figures also translated into an increase in adoptions after the restrictions ended. According to the Valencian Council of Veterinary Colleges (CVCV) , compared to the same period in previous years, animal adoptions soared by 94% in June and 49% in July. Purchases—or changes in dog ownership—likewise increased by 27.1% and 17%, respectively.
According to shelters and associations, changes in ownership—as well as new registrations recorded in computerized records—barely vary from one year to the next, something that did not occur during this period. This significant change due to the virus has unfortunately resulted in an increase in animal abandonment . The number of abandoned dogs in Spain has increased considerably. In this article, we explain the actual animal abandonment figures after the end of the lockdown and answer other questions, such as how to combat animal abandonment. Read on for more information!
Animal abandonment: How many pets were abandoned after the lockdown?
According to data published by the Royal Canine Society of Spain, animal abandonment increased by 25% after the lockdown compared to the same period in 2019 —particularly in the case of abandoned dogs. This study also shows that Spain is the EU country with the highest rate of animal abandonment and abuse. The study also links the beginning of the new normal with the arrival of summer —a time when the number of abandoned dogs, as well as cats and other pets, typically increases each year. The society appeals to people's responsibility and solidarity in choosing adoption and addressing these attitudes that leave thousands of animals abandoned and unprotected. They also remind everyone that bringing a pet into the home is not a decision to be taken lightly.
Dogs abandoned in Spain per year
Data provided by the Affinity Foundation , a society specializing in research, action, and promotion of the benefits of companion animals in society, show that 138,000 companion animals—mainly dogs and cats—are abandoned in Spain each year . This data is collected by animal protection societies, as well as city councils and regional councils in Spain. However, according to the Federation of Animal Protection and Defense Associations, the real number of animal abandonments could be higher than 300,000 per year, which would mean an average of three animals abandoned every five minutes in Spain. They also explain that a large portion of abandonments—approximately 33% of cases—occur at the beginning of the year, which is related to pets given as gifts during this time of year, but also at the end of the hunting season. And, as Ecologists in Action explain, 40% of the dogs and cats that arrive in our homes do so as gifts—which is why half of the people and families who take care of the animals don't usually participate in the selection process.
Regarding animal abuse, it is estimated that approximately 60,000 animals are abused each year in the country at public festivals, placing us at the top of the list in the European Union. Data published by the State Attorney General's Office regarding abuse by individuals also reflects that the number of investigations initiated for animal abuse increases year after year. As stipulated by administrative legislation, these acts are considered very serious offenses , some of which can be extremely sadistic and cruel. However, of all cases of abuse and criminal acts, almost all result in fines, and very few result in actual imprisonment.
How to combat animal abandonment
Animal abandonment is a scourge in society that must be combated at the individual level and through the administration —primarily through legal and judicial means. Banning the animal trade, as well as raising awareness among pet owners and providing appropriate education in animal values, can be decisive in eradicating the problem.
People must be aware of what owning a pet entails , so awareness campaigns should be carried out on the health needs of companion animals, the responsibilities and obligations that come with owning them, and campaigns on pet abandonment during the holiday season. In the latter case, it is important to raise awareness about the alternatives and options available for organizing vacations with pets or knowing what to do with them during the summer. However, just as there has been a Domestic Animal Protection Law since 2016, it is also important to increase measures and penalties for abandoned dogs and cats, as well as other pets. This is especially true in the case of pet abuse, since—although it is considered a serious offense—prison sentences are still rare.
Finally, citizens should be involved in reporting animal abandonment and encouraged to do so if they are aware of it. This serves as a penalty for those who increase the rate of abandoned dogs in Spain, but also as a warning to those who are considering it—in addition to making the process more difficult.
