A fresh case of animal neglect has emerged in the northern region of Tenerife. Since the 18th of June, inhabitants of the El Guincho neighbourhood in Garachico have been bringing attention to a severe instance of animal desertion and maltreatment: a group of around 15 unwell cats roam the locality without access to food or water.
The animals were reportedly abandoned when the local resident who used to feed them publicly got hospitalized, a predicament that has been notified to the municipal authorities, but as of yet, the neighbours are awaiting a response.
As highlighted by Guardianas Proyecto CER Garachico (an initiative managing feral cat colonies utilizing the Capture, Sterilization, and Return approach) on social media, eyewitness accounts reveal that the cats have resorted to cannibalism in the absence of sustenance or hydration.
On the 30th of June, an organisation visited the location accompanied by members of the political opposition to evaluate the health of the animals, discovering them in extremely emaciated and unwell states. Furthermore, some cats, particularly albino ones, are suffering from ear cancer due to neglect.
Prompt actions have been urged from the local authorities. Nonetheless, despite dispatching a written communication detailing the events and highlighting the legal obligations concerning animal well-being, no steps have been taken.
The residents continue to offer nourishment and water to the cats to the best of their ability while the scenario persists unchanged, with the animals in critical conditions and devoid of official attention.
“There are no sufficient words to articulate the horror that is being permitted, the absence of compassion towards animals and the negligence. These unfortunate felines are still there, famished and thirsty, unwell, whilst those who are responsible for advocating for them, safeguarding them and looking after them, choose to turn a blind eye,” they express.
