The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, along with the Fundación Santa Cruz Sostenible and the Public Services, Strategic Planning, Environmental Sustainability, and Animal Welfare department, has unveiled the planned activities for World Animal Day. This celebration is set for September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Plaza del Príncipe. The aim of this event is to promote awareness regarding animal respect and responsible pet ownership within family settings.
City mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, affirmed that “Santa Cruz is a pet-friendly city, as evidenced by the number of registered animals exceeding 45,000, alongside the designated leisure areas for them, which total 15.” He also stated, “This open event will showcase the work of various associations and shelters, encouraging adoption and responsible pet ownership.”
Carlos Tarife, the Councillor for Public Services, Strategic Planning, Environmental Sustainability, and Animal Welfare, reminded everyone that “Santa Cruz has been honouring World Animal Day since 2014” and disclosed plans in collaboration with the Cabildo to enhance the area surrounding Las Gaviotas beach, creating a bathing space for dog owners.
The mayor mentioned that “Santa Cruz imposes penalties, via local police and citizen reports, on those who neglect their pets and fail to clean up after them,” adding that “the majority of Santa Cruz residents desire a clean city, which is entirely compatible with pet ownership.”
Diego Broock, the director of the Santa Cruz Sostenible Foundation, explained that “on Saturday, September 28, families are encouraged to bring their pets along.” He noted that “in addition to the usual pet parade and animals available for adoption, we will feature a display by the Local Police’s canine guide squad, as well as an Agility and obedience showcase, a workshop on proper leash handling, craft activities, a dog biscuit-making session, and face painting.”
Participating Shelters
The event, backed by the Official College of Veterinarians of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, will see participation from 18 various animal shelters, including Valkiria Animal Rescue, Finca Enxo y Ada, El Valle Encantado, FECAPAP, Valle Colino, Animal Welfare Icodem Abay, Animal Defence Tenerife, In Situ Canarias, Juli la Karen de los gatos, SOS Peludos, Menudos Peludos Tenerife, Diffusions and Rescues 4 Patas, Healthy and Safe, Equino Sentido, SOS Felina, Defence of the Pugs of the Canary Islands, Neko, Animalist Brigade, and Canarionejos.
Partner Companies
Piensos Lenda will be present, offering donated pet food for sale, while Valoriza, the company responsible for cleaning Santa Cruz, will conduct a workshop on how to sort pet waste. Peluquería Canina Mascotas Tenerife will provide grooming services for parade participants who wish to partake, and Radio Mascotaventuras will promote the event.
Talks
The Official College of Veterinarians of Santa Cruz will perform free health checks for the animals taking part and assist in the application process for the necessary permits from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, alongside giving a lecture on animal welfare and responsible ownership.
The Neotrópico Foundation, the only conservation centre for exotic species in the Canary Islands, will provide insights into the illegal trafficking of exotic wildlife. The Abay association will address legal matters regarding feline colonies, while El Mencey y su Can will discuss orthopaedic products designed for animals. Hotel Club Family Pet will present “Hotel as an Alternative to Abandonment,” e-Dopta will participate with “Ensure Safe Adoption,” and Santuario Equino Sentido will cover “Equine Welfare.”
