Editor’s note: this week we received this letter from concerned rescue workers at SOS Algarve Animals:
Dear Abandoner,
Is the dog in the photo yours? He was following cars … But he was still waiting for you and would not let us catch him. But then he went racing after a big man. We thought for a while it was maybe you but the man got in his car and left. So we just thought you should know,your dog is NOT ok.
For a while he hoped and he waited for you, but now he has given up and his heart is broken. You are not the beloved owner your animal is searching for; you are an irresponsible piece of work!
We are not able to save your animal. We are tired of having to pick up the pieces, we are tired of the suffering, of seeing them lost, confused, hungry, scared … all just because you could not be bothered.
Yes, we know the government does not care. We know there are no properly-run governmental shelters, instead there are private shelters and charities trying their best to pick up the pieces of your irresponsibility. But because there are so many people just like you, they are all full. And the Câmara kennels are mostly awful places, often with euthanasia after eight days.
Euthanasia is always a painful topic, but realise that leaving your beloved animals behind on a road is also a death sentence.
And just keep hoping that no other cars or people are involved, injured or killed in an accident you caused.
Accept your responsibility; find it a home yourself either here or abroad, take it with you and rehome it in your new location and if all that fails, put it to sleep yourselves. Portugal is NOT a nice country for an animal!
During the last two weeks of October, we have either seen or encountered more than 30 newly abandoned dogs!
And don’t think it is only the Portuguese who do this, the expat community has a major share in the abandonment too … Shame on you who do this!
Ginie and Laura
SOS Algarve Animals
