12 Aug 2008 12:03 AM:Coastrider Letter 12/08/08
I have lived in Spain for almost 4 years and have never felt the need to write to an English Language newspaper before. I was so appalled by the letter in edition 235 from "name and address supplied" ref the Cereco pound in Crevellente, I would like to pass on my PERSONAL experience of the horror of this environment.
In September 2005, I found a Cocker Spaniel tied up outside what was Caprabo supermarket in La Marina urb.
With him was a letter in Spanish giving his name and stating that the owner was no longer capable of looking after him.This was a perfectly HEALTHY animal and very loving.
Doing the right thing, I took him to the vets in La Marina and he was found to have a microchip. I then found him accommodation for the night with the PAWS agency. After picking him up the next morning, I was very soon visited by the Police. Because he was chipped, I was told that the dog had to go to the Cereco pound until the owner was located. The Police also told me that if I cared for the dog, I should remove him from Cereco as soon as possible!!
The following day, the owner had been traced to Madrid, had stated that they had no interest in the dog, and I was told that if I adopted the dog, he would be released. I therefore drove straight to Cereco in Crevillente.
The sight that greeted me will stay with me for life. Coco was in a cage, approx 10 ft by 6ft, with 5 other dogs of equal size. The dogs were covered in urine and faeces. The cage was one of many, all in the same state. Close by were CAT cages, each containing at least 4 smaller dogs.
I carried out the adoption process and after washing Coco down in a puddle outside, (I was told I couldn't use the hosepipe), I took him home to a new life. The story was passed on by word of mouth and a local newspaper covered the story at that time.
Coco settled in with my other dogs and for about 2 weeks all was well until he started having breathing problems. I took him to the vets, San Anton and he was diagnosed with distemper, I was told that incubation time from contact is 2 weeks!!!!!!
This poor, loving, faithful dog had contracted a fatal disease from a facility that was supposed to help him, of that I have NO DOUBT. There were many subsequent cases, at Cereco, during this period. It caused us a lot of pain and financial loss, but the main point of my story is, it cost this poor dog his life.
SO, Mr or Mrs name and address supplied, I suggest that you do not promote your opinions, based on a sunny days visit and then send letters to newspapers that may prevent people trying to change this terrible situation.
All aspects of my story are documented, and therefore FACTUAL.
They are not based on casual observation and I am quite happy to have my name and address published. I only hope that this letter will offset some of the damage that you have undoubtedly done. I stress that I have no connection with any agencies, but have 3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 parrots in my house, all rescues from cruelty cases, UK and Spain, which are now loved and very happy. I know what I am talking about, and am prepared to help these animals at my own expense........... are you?
Rob Reynolds
Coco the Cocker and his friend Nimba
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