Tuesday July 9th
Quiz Night at Lew’s Fish and Chips, Calle El Faro, Torrox Costa. Quiz starts 7.30pm. Entrance fee of eight euros includes a fish and chips, or pie and chips meal, with three euros and all raffle proceeds going to CAS. To book call Laura or Kurt at 95 252 1426. Teams of four encouraged.
Tuesdays July 9th and July 23rd
Quiz Night at Ceilidh Bar, Calle Rodriguez Acosta, Nerja, near the Parador Hotel. Quiz starts 9.00pm. Tickets three euros. Food and drink available. Book at the bar on 95 252 3511.
Friday July 19th
Summer Pig Roast at Seacrest Kennels, Nerja. Live music, dancing and the popular pig roast. Tickets 20 euros from Laura or Kurt at 95 252 1426.
Rabies Warning
The Costa Animal Society (CAS) cannot stress enough the importance of having your pet’s vaccinations kept up to date annually. In Spain the law states that all dogs, cats and ferrets over three months old must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
The rabies vaccination has to be renewed every year plus all dogs must be treated for worms at least once a year and both of these must be recorded in the pet passport. The Junta is primarily concerned with these diseases because they can possibly be passed onto humans by household pets even though these incidents are quite rare nowadays.
The reminder follows a recent warning issued in the Toledo area after a dog suffering from rabies bit four children, severely injuring a two year old who had to be admitted to intensive care. The dog was put down the same day as the attack and the victims are undergoing anti-rabies treatment.
The dog was neither muzzled nor on a lead during the attack and was later confirmed by a vet to be carrying the rabies virus. It is believed the animal’s vaccinations were not up to date and had picked up the illness while on a family holiday in Morocco.
This has been the first rabies incident in Spain since 1975 therefore the authorities have issued a warning to anyone who has been bitten, licked or scratched by any animal in the Toledo area since mid-May urging them to seek urgent medical advice. The rabies risk for other areas of Spain remains unchanged but it is best to avoid unnecessary contact with wild and even domestic animals.
CAS advises that when you take your pet in for their required annual treatments, you should ask your vet about other vaccinations which can protect your animal against diseases they are more likely to contract in Andalucía, such as parvo or heartworm for example. Also, at this time of year it is import to discuss flea, tick and mosquito prevention for your pets.
Volunteers Needed
The Costa Animal Society (CAS) needs your help, particularly with their efforts at the Sunday car boot markets in Nerja and Almuñécar.
If you have some time and especially if you own a 4×4 or other large vehicle your assistance in transporting and selling goods on Sunday morning would be much appreciated as both these markets help raise much needed funds to care for rescued animals.
If you can assist CAS in any way – fund raising, airport runs or fostering – please call Wendy at 660 271 984 or Vera at 680 315 880.
Dog Awarded UK Gold Medal
On July 30, 2009, a Guardia Civil sniffer dog named Ajax along with his handler were in Mallorca in preparation for the arrival of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia when an ETA car bomb exploded under a police car, killing two young officers.
Ajax was called into action to search the area and located a second bomb under another Guardia Civil vehicle and, as a result, the area was safely cleared and a controlled explosion was carried out, dispersing shrapnel over a 100 metre radius but without causing any injury.
It was later found that the bomb had a motion sensor which would have caused a considerable amount of damage and certain death to anyone nearby. There is no doubt that the actions of Ajax and his handler saved the lives of countless people.
At a police conference in Madrid during June, Ajax was presented with the Gold Medal from the UK’s People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. The award is considered to be the canine equivalent of the George Cross. It is awarded to animals that are instrumental in saving human or animal life when its own life is in jeopardy, or through outstanding devotion to duty. The following week, Ajax and his handler were also honoured by being received by King Juan Carlos at the Zarzuela Palace.
Ajax is now 13 years old and is enjoying a happy retirement in Málaga.