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Nov 17-Dec 2 Alhama launches pet adoption fair alongside campaign for responsible ownership
Alhama de Murcia will host the 5th annual animal adoption day alongside an initiative to encourage microchipping and vaccinations
With Christmas just around the corner, many families may be contemplating adding a new furry companion to their household. To this end, Alhama de Murcia Town Council is organising a pet adoption day this month alongside a brand new campaign to encourage responsible animal ownership and welfare.5th Pet Adoption Fair in Alhama de Murcia
Adopt, don’t shop is the message of the firth edition Alhama’s Pet Adoption Fair, scheduled for next Sunday November 17 at the Espuña fairgrounds in Alhama de Murcia.
Running from 10.30am to 1.30pm, the event will offer a day dedicated to responsible pet ownership, adoption and animal welfare.
Lali Salas , Councillor for Animal Welfare, highlights the importance of this event: "The Adoption Fair is a wonderful opportunity for all those who love animals and want to offer them a home. We want to remember that having an animal is not a whim, and to do so, we will have several informative and educational activities that we hope will be of great interest to the community."
Programme of activities
Visitors to the fair will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of engaging activities, organised in collaboration with local associations and professionals. Here are some of the highlights:
10.30am: Opening of the 5th Adoption Fair
The fair will kick off with a visit from several animal welfare associations, including Peludines, Engatúsate, Caminando con Ellos, Fundación Cavalli and ANGUIMAR. These organisations will bring animals available for adoption, offering a chance for visitors to find their perfect furry companion.
12pm: Responsible pet ownership talk
Paula Pérez Caballero, the municipal veterinarian, will deliver a talk titled ‘Having a pet is not a whim’. She will discuss the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, provide advice on animal care, hygiene and health, and introduce the new Animal Welfare Law.
12.30pm: Dog training and care talk
Pedro Ferrer García, president of the Centauro Quirón Foundation, will present a talk called ‘All about your best friend’. He will cover topics such as training, care, hygiene and routines to keep pets happy and balanced.
1pm: Dog training demonstration
Miguel Ángel Abellán Sevilla, a professional dog trainer, will showcase a training demonstration with his Labrador retriever, highlighting the results of proper training. The Centauro Quirón Foundation will also be present to share their charitable work, which includes training dogs to assist children and people with disabilities.
Pet identification campaign
Going hand-in-hand with the pet adoption day is Alhama de Murcia’s new campaign to encourage pet owners to microchip and register their furry companions, in accordance with the Animal Welfare Law.
Between November 26 to December 2, the Local Police will be carrying out specific checks to verify compliance with current regulations on companion animals.
The key points to be monitored are:
- Microchip identification: All animals must be registered and identified by a mandatory microchip.
- Up-to-date vaccinations: It is the responsibility of each owner to keep their pet's mandatory vaccinations up to date.
- Poop collection: Owners should carry bags to pick up their dogs' poop, thus helping to keep public spaces clean.
- License for potentially dangerous animals: Those who own breeds classified as potentially dangerous must have the corresponding license and comply with safety measures, such as wearing a muzzle in public spaces.
Lali Salas has again underlined the importance of this campaign for the municipality: "Having a pet implies a series of responsibilities. It is the obligation of the owners to ensure that their animals are identified with a microchip and have the mandatory vaccinations up to date.
“In addition, when walking, it is essential to always keep the dog on a leash, with a muzzle if necessary, and to pick up its excrement. We must all contribute to a respectful coexistence, and part of this is assuming our responsibilities towards our pets and the municipality.”
For more information, news and what’s on go to the home page of Alhama Today
Images: Ayuntamiento Alhama de Murcia
