The refuge is the Centre for Animal Protection and environment of Tenerife, and she stressed that it works solely with authorised municipalities Granadilla, Arona and Guia de Isora.

“Dogs can be brought to the refuge only by Protection Civil or the police, with the necessary documentation,” she said.

“If you do find a stray dog in those municipalities, please follow the correct procedure and call 112.

The collection can be arranged by the local police, who will inform Protection Civil to retrieve the dog and take it to Accion del Sol.

The dog will immediately receive medical treatment if necessary. It will also be de-fleed, wormed, castrated/sterilised and micro-chipped.

“In addition, it will receive the necessary injections, including rabies, and issued with a passport.

“If the dog is micro-chipped, then the owner will be contacted and the dog returned, or the owner prosecuted if the dog has been abandoned or ill treated.”

Marion added: “If you really want to help the situation here in Tenerife, then we all need to work in a legal and correct way.

“Unfortunately, five kittens were dumped in a box outside the refuge last week. Luckily, the security cameras were in operation so the necessary action will be taken.

“As you can imagine, this is not the correct environment for the kittens with so many dogs at the refuge.”

She immediately called the cat rescue centre, run by Julio Ramos, who agreed to take the kittens.

The refuge is situated in Camino Carrasco, 17, 38400, Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz (922 373 000).

Cat lovers who would like to help out with food, blankets or any donations will be welcomed because the group is struggling in these hard times.

Back at Accion, the beautiful Alsatian pictured, who is 8-9 years old, will be happy to look after new owners in return for them giving him a loving home.

There are lots of puppies at the refuge in all shapes and sizes also looking for homes.

If you would like to adopt a dog, come along to Accion del Sol, which is open Monday-Friday (3-6pm), or call 922 778 630 for more information.

You can also call if you would like to help out in any way. Towels and blankets are always needed for the dogs, who would appreciate them.

The refuge is situated on the Granadilla Industrial Estate, Exit 51 on the TF1, directly next to the windmills.

If you are unable to adopt a dog, you are welcome to walk a dog or two in your spare time.

There are so many dogs that would enjoy a stroll down to the sea and back. Just call the above number for more information.

Live Arico News

This week, a concerned member of the public saw three dogs struggling to stay afloat in a water tank near San Miguel.

He called 112, who contacted the Local Police, and, together with an animal-loving member of the Town Hall, they worked really hard to get the dogs out.

Sadly, the elder one could not be saved but the two, who were much younger, were brought out alive.

Live Arico were called in to assist, and found the dogs were micro-chipped. Not only that, but their owner had told police that they had escaped from his property.

All the details were on file, and we were able to return the dogs home safely.

Pool and darts events

We are staging our first Pool and Darts knockout competition next Sunday, 26^th May, at the Terrace Bar, Amarilla Golf.

Registrations will take place from 12 noon, or you can pre-register by calling Sharon Edens on 671 783 117.

It’s just five euros an entry for each event, with the winners and runner-ups receiving cash prizes.

Bargains galore

Check out our two charity shops. There’s one at Los Cristianos, Calle Reveron, near the children’s playpark, open between 10am-4pm daily.

Alternatively, have a look at Siobhan’s shop in San Eugenio, near AmandasBar and opposite Hotel La Nina. Both shops are closed Sundays.

It is traditional in the entertainment sector for some time to be devoted to charity, so what a good grounding this was for the Estrellas students to be involved in so early in their careers.

As some will know, Estrellas hold classes in dance, acting and singing in the North and South of the Island.

In March, a fund-raising event was held at Vivo, Las Americas, in which the South students were featured, with a few from the North.

And Sunday’s event mirrored this, the majority of the performers being from the North, with a handful from the South also joining in.

What a show they all put on. Their featured end-of-year show this year will be Hairspray, so little taster snippets were included, along with a delightful performance from Sleeping Beauty by the Estrellitas, solo numbers from the older children and a hip-hop dance display from the South students.

It was also pleasing to see singer Luke Towler perform, just days after a nasty incident put him in hospital.

His father, Steve, teaches at Estrellas and his mother, Julie, has a special relationship with the benefiting charity, Amate, after battling breast cancer herself.

Amate is an initiative created by a group of women, who survived breast cancer. Their aim is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of the disease, to offer support and assistance, to promote a better quality of life and well-being to others who are, or have been, affected.

Estrellas are proud to have worked in collaboration with Amate.

In addition to the show, superb raffle prizes were donated by the following:

Hotel Tigaiga, Puerto de la Cruz; Los Zocos Club Resort, Lanzarote; Hoteles Globales Tamaimo Tropical Resort, Puerto Santiago: Restaurant Los Tulipanes, Puerto de la Cruz; Teide Divers, Puerto de la Cruz; Loro Parque, Puerto de la Cruz; Siam Park, Costa Adeje.

A total of 1,020 euros was raised, all towards the fight against this dreadful disease.

The children also learned that talent is to be shared, to be enjoyed, as well as a means to earning a living. It was a good lesson for the future of these bright stars.

For further information about Estrellas, check the website www.estrellastheatreschool.com or call Mo on 647 844 794.

AFTER last week’s article about giving dogs a second chance, Popov the labrador was adopted.

His new name is Raggy, and we wish him and his new owner, Sam all, the best.

This week’s featured dog is Misty, a 13-week-old pup, who will be medium-sized when fully grown.

She is fully vaccinated and chipped, and is very playful. A 70-euro adoption fee will be payable at Hospivet Sur to cover the cost of the vaccinations, and the changing of the microchip details into your name.

Call Sue on 629 388 102 for more information about our dogs for adoption.

Pool and darts KO events

We are staging our first Pool and Darts knockout competition on Sunday, 26^th May at the Terrace Bar, Amarilla Golf.

Registrations will take place from 12 noon, or you can pre-register by calling Sharon Edens on 671 783 117.

So polish off your cue, sharpen your darts and come down for an afternoon of fun.

It’s just five euros an entry for each event, with the winners and runner-ups receiving cash prizes.

Bargains galore

Come and browse in our charity shops at Los Cristianos, Calle Reveron, near the children’s playpark, open between 10am-4pm daily.

Alternatively, have a look at Siobhan’s shop in San Eugenio, nearAmandasBarand opposite Hotel La Nina. Both shops are closed Sundays.

You will be surprised at the high-quality goods available at knock-down prices.

Accion del Sol news

SUNDAY’S Fun Walk was a great success, with more people joining us every month, and the dogs having so much enjoyment and loving all the attention.

It left this little pup (pictured) so worn out from all the excitement that it fell asleep en route!

On a serious note, Accion would like to remind you all that as well as registering your dog at your local Ayunimento (Town Hall), regardless of breed or size, the following dogs MUST have an additional Dangerous Dog Licence:

*Pit Bull Terrier

*Staffordshire Bull Terrier

*American Staffordshire Terrier

*Rottweiler

*Dogo Argentino

*Fila Brasileiro

*Tosa Inu

*Akita Inu

Accion del Sol has a strict policy on adopting a potentially-dangerous dog from the refuge, and you do need this licence before taking your dog home.

It goes without saying that the staff here will be happy to help and advise you on obtaining this licence.

You will see from the illustration which breeds are classified as potentially dangerous and need a special licence.

They are also subject to strict controls, such as being muzzled when being walked – only one at a time – and owned by someone over 18 who does not have a police record.

You might think you would never be stopped, but police everywhere are being more vigilant about this problem and are prone to conducting spot-checks.

You first step to getting the necessary licence is to go to the SAC office at your local town hall and request a form known as Solicitud de Inscripcion en el Censo de Animales Domesticos Y/O Potencialmente Peligrosos.

You will need various papers, such as your NIE and passport, and your dog’s micro-chipping evidence, etc. The document is in Spanish.

Next, surprisingly, you have to take yourself to your local centro medico for a medical, which will determine whether you are fit to keep a potentially dangerous dog (eyesight, blood pressure, reactions, etc), and why you want one.

You will also be asked to take a questionnaire involving no fewer than 60 questions and, at 53 euros, this is the main cost involved.

A visit to the Mapfre building inSanta Cruzis also necessary to obtain a certificate, which will eventually be returned to you confirming you have no criminal record. If you do have one, you will not be allowed to get a licence.

You also need to take out dog insurance with a minimum cover of 120,000 euros (on your home insurance or a separate policy) and you’ll will need to sign and complete another form from the SAC (Peticion de Antecedentes Penales de Registro Central de Penados y Rebeldes).

Eventually, you take all the papers, micro-chipping document, inoculation verifications, etc, back to the SAC and you will receive a preliminary certificate.

Subject to all the paperwork being correct, your licence will be issued a month or so later.

As you can imagine, this whole process is lengthy and complicated, but it is the correct way to get your potentially-dangerous dog legalised. Sadly, many owners just don’t bother.

You should also be aware that if someone else is walking your dog and it attacks a person or another animal, it is still your responsibility – and yours alone!

Your premises should also display a “dangerous dog” sign and you must always carry with you the licence and the animal’s paperwork.

You must also take these steps if you want to adopt a dangerous dog breed from a refuge, and you should not be allowed to take it away until you have the paperwork.

It is quite an eye-opener to discover the lengthy procedures,

which take around two months. But the law is the law and the only way not to fall foul of it is to comply with it!

Call 922 778 630 for more information, or if you would like to help out at the refuge in any way.

Towels and blankets are always needed for the dogs, so if you have any to spare, they would be much appreciated by our inmates.

The refuge is situated the Granadilla Industrial Estate, Exit 51 on the TF1, right by the ITER ecological park, by the windmills.

It is open to the public Monday-Friday, from 3-6pm and, if you are interested in adopting a dog or maybe just taking a dog or two for a leisurely walk, then do drop in.

The event, at Our Place, Costa del Silencio, was extremely well-attended and a great time was had by all.

The afternoon included the talented Alaya Shonyata (heat winner of Tenerife Loves Karaoke), Vicky Denton, Martin McCall, Mark (performing his last gig before returning toIreland), guitar/vocalist Alfie B, Steve Delsey, Storm Duo and Mickey Glamz, who had the dance floor full

Our thanks go to Aidy Evans for keeping things on track, and filling in with some songs.

Wendy, from Cats Welfare, made sure no one was missed when selling the raffle tickets.

Many thanks to Superior Foods, Our Place, and everyone who donated prizes for the raffle and tombola.

The final 100 euros was raised in 10 minutes by Wendi and Live Arico’s Sharon Edens.

There were plenty of furry friends there receiving cuddles from everyone, including Luci, one of the Guaza mountain pups who has grown into a fantastic dog but still looking for her forever home.

A total of 545 euros was raised, which will be split equally between the three charities.

Thanks to all who attended, supported, and of course the hard-working volunteers and bar staff.

Accion del Sol news‏

RANDY was brought into the refuge nearly two months ago in an awful state, having had his back leg badly broken in a car accident.

A specialist vet, together with Accion del Sol’s own vet tried to repair his leg with metal pins. It was a difficult operation but they wanted to save it.

Unfortunately, because of the severity of the injury, the leg wouldn’t heal and, eventually, the decision was made to amputate the leg.

When he woke up after the operation, he moved his tail instantly and jumped out of his bed, as though telling the staff: “It’s okay for me, and I am happy to see you guys again.”

We are looking to finding a special foster home for Randy while he recovers, and if you believe you may be able to help him, please call 922 778 630 for more information.

The Guaza pups, rescued from the mountain by Arona’s contracted dog-catchers, are doing well at the refuge, but we still need donations of puppy milk and tinned food.

Our next “Fun Walk” is on 28^th April, again meeting near the Conquistador Hotel on the seafront at the later time of 6.30pm.

Please callMarionon the above number to request a dog from the refuge to walk, or join in with your own dog.

Call 922 778 630 for more information, or if you would like to help out at the refuge in any way. Towels and blankets are always needed for the dogs, if you have any to spare. They would be very much appreciated by our inmates.

The refuge is situated the Granadilla Industrial Estate, Exit 51 on the TF1, directly next to the ecological park ITER, by the windmills.

It is open to the public Monday–Friday, from 3-6pm,and if you are interested in adopting a dog or maybe just taking a dog or two for a leisurely walk, then do drop in.

Live Arico (PAWS) news

MANY heads were turned on Sunday as three of our committee members dressed up as Super Heroes to run the Las Galletas 10.8km race.

Batman, Robin and Catwoman, otherwise known as Michaela, Sue and Kerry, finished in 80, 90 and 89 minutes respectively and, along with serious runners Tony Bailey and Keith Freeland, will have raised around 1,000 euros when all pledges are in.

There was a great atmosphere, as always, but no one runs in fancy dress – well, until now, that is.

Blind puppies update

The puppies were again seen by the ophthalmologist last week, and she was happy that their situation had improved. The small one, Stevie Wonder, remains blind and is unlikely to regain her sight because her eyes are too badly damaged.

But the other two, Ellie and Peanut, have some limited sight. Their sight is not the real issue, but their pain of having eyes with no tears. We thank their foster parents, Johnny and Lynn, for painstakingly administering drops and artificial tears over the past weeks.

The pups have another appointment at the end of this month. They have cost us almost 300 euros to date, so the benefit on Golf del Sur last week really was worthwhile. Many thanks again to all for their generosity and concern.

Charity shops going strong

Come and see what bargains we have in our charity shops. We have one in Los Cristianos, calle Reveron, near the harbour playpark, and the other in San Eugenio, opposite La Nina Hotel, by Amandas Bar. Both open daily from 10-4, closing at 2pm Saturdays and all day Sunday.

Important phone numbers

General Enquiries: Sue Havenhand 629 388 102; Siobhan Ferguson 630 857 626

Accion del Sol news

ARONA Town Hall has awarded a new dog-catcher contract for the municipality, and the company have recently collected 10 puppies from Guaza Mountain and delivered them to the Accion del Sol refuge.

Unfortunately, the mother was not caught, so the puppies need special, expensive milk, as they were too young to be taken from their mother.

If you would like to help these puppies and donate puppy milk or tinned dog food for when they can eat solids, then please call 922 778 630 for more information.

If you feel you would be interested in adopting one of these puppies, then contact the refuge on the above number. All dogs collected by them are taken to Accion del Sol.

There are still more than 200 dogs at the refuge all looking for new homes. One dog has been in the refuge for seven years and she has finally found a home with an auxiliary vet.

Luna was chosen by her new owner and she now has started a new life inGermany, to the delight of everyone at Accion.

If you would like to help out in other ways, towels and blankets are always needed for the dogs if you have any to spare.

The refuge is situated at the Granadilla Industrial Estate, Exit 51 on the TF1, right by theITEREcologicalParkwindmills, and it is open to the public Monday-Friday (3-6pm).

Our next Fun Walk will be held on 28^th April and the meeting point will be confirmed soon.

Accion del Sol news

DURING our last Fun Walk in Los Cristianos, we did a double take when we saw a dog arrive for the walk wearing some rather dapper sun-shades.

We thought he was just a cool dude, trying to impress his new friends. But alas, he has a very unusual condition called “keratitis”, otherwise known as “Pannus”, which is a corneal disease.

It is found, primarily, in larger dogs such as German Shepherds, huskies, labradors, retrievers and border collies.

This is a slow, progressive disease which is non-painful, but it can lead to blindness. The sun’s UV light can make the disease advance much quicker, and owners are advised to avoid strong daylight hours.

Hector’s vet, who has been treating him with steroid eye drops and other various medications, recommended the sunglasses.

After much research, a supplier was found inAustraliaand Hector had special sunglasses made, which he wears when out and about in the sunshine.

We look forward to seeing Hector again this Sunday (24^th March) at 4pm on the seafront by the Hotel Conquistador for another walk, complete with his shades!

If you would like to make a refuge dog very happy and join us for a walk, then please callMarionon 922778630 to arrange for her to bring a dog along for you to walk, or you are welcome to bring your own dog. Please bring a bottle of water for the dogs.

Another very happy little dog named Lily is settling into her new home inGermany. She weighed just 500g when she was brought into the refuge and is now three times that weight – and still piling it on!

It is taking a while for her to adapt to the climate change, so most of her walks are spent snuggled up to her owners, Marquardt and Jörg Koll.

Accion del Sol is always looking for people to walk the refuge dogs. If you have some spare time and would like to volunteer, please call to make a few animals really happy.

The refuge is situated at the Granadilla Industrial Estate, Exit 51 on the TF1, directly next to the ecological park ITER, by the windmills.

And if you would like to assist us in any other way, please call 922 778 630 for more information, or drop in. We are open to the public from Monday to Friday (3-6pm).