In a time when families can’t even feed themselves, pet food is an unaffordable luxury and consequently, hundreds of pets are being left to fend for themselves, becoming strays.

Motril-based APAF (Asociacion Protectora de Animales y Flora) is not a bunch of sentimental animal lovers, running a dogs home, with a higher regard for animals than their fellow humans, but rather a network of conscientious citizens that provide temporary homes under their own roofs for strays until a permanent home can be found. Mercedes Quirós founded APAF a couple of years ago and the membership includes several Northern Europeans, by which we mean anybody from north of the Pyrenees.

The Secretary of the organisation, Socorro Correa, summed up in few words the worst side of irresponsible pet ownership: We end up rescuing Christmas’s cuddly presents off the streets at Easter.

As a result of their labour, APAF process around 30 animals (cats & dogs). Not every animal that is located is taken in; ones that are healthy enough live on the streets are followed and controlled.

APAF isn’t looking for funds but support. They can be contacted via email at apafmotril@gmail.com or vist their website at www.actiweb.es/protectoraapafmotril/.

(News: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)