Stray dogs on the Caminos - article and video

[Bradypus]

A local tv station in Galicia has a report on the continuing problem of dogs following pilgrims on the Caminos and becoming separated from their owners. A major problem for some local authorities like Fisterra. The report notes that an animal rescue centre which works for the local authorities is currently housing nearly 450 dogs. Pilgrims are advised not to feed or pet dogs which are loose as that encourages them to follow pilgrims.

Uns 450 cans perdidos no Camiño de Santiago atópanse nas instalacións do XEA en Zas - G24

Nos concellos onde máis animados perdidos son polos que pasa o Camiño francés a Compostela, principalmente Melide e Arzúa

www.g24.gal

 

[oursonpolaire]

This has long been a problem; I was on the Primitivo when a dog began to follow a group of pilgrims for about 3km. Another pilgrim, a young officer from the German army, perceived what was happening and took it upon himself to walk the dog back to its home. He did so succesfully and I met him later in Fonsagrada, and was happy to stand him a cerveza (grande) while he waited for his albergue to open.

 

[Bradypus]

This has long been a problem; I was on the Primitivo when a dog began to follow a group of pilgrims for about 3km.

It also happened to me and another pilgrim on the Primitivo. We took the dog to the ayuntamiento in the next town and they tried to reunite it with the owner. Since then I have been careful to chase off any dogs which have tried to follow me. Happened again on the Frances this January.

 

[good_old_shoes]

I think it might be a problem of cultural background and habits.

Where I live, it is very rare to see a dog roam around without its owner close by. If you find a dog here that is not accompanied by an owner, it is assumed that it is lost or homeless, and it's normal procedure to take it to a shelter (we don't have kill shelters here, so it's an easy decision since no harm will come to the animal), so it can be reunited with its owner or be adopted by someone else.

Also, in other countries owned dogs might not look as well cared for as one might expect from one's own country.

So the combination "roaming around all alone" + "not looking well groomed" + the fact that spain is a country that is (at least where I live) somewhat renowned for having many strays (prejudice?) might give some people the impression that the dog is homeless, while in fact it is not. And so they might think it's better to take it with them and bring it to a shelter than leave it behind. Not excusing the behaviour, just trying to find an explanation.

When I walked last year I noticed many flyers and posters that informed pilgrims about this problem. I think that's a good approach.

If all dogs were chipped and registered, that would also help reunite dogs with their owners when they accidentally get separated, may it be because of a pilgrim who misinterpreted the situation or something else.

 

[Tincatinker]

Cats & Dogs need to be microchipped in Spain under article 11 of Ley Proteccion los Animales, which can be found on the Spanish government website (Gobierno de España)
Of course, if your dog isn’t chipped who can prove it’s your dog.

 

[alexwalker]

Cats & Dogs need to be microchipped in Spain under article 11 of Ley Proteccion los Animales, which can be found on the Spanish government website (Gobierno de España)
Of course, if your dog isn’t chipped who can prove it’s your dog.

It is a good idea to chip them.

However, there has been discussions here at home to chip old people, too, for obvious reasons.

I hate the idea: If I want to leave, I don't want the Ms. to track me down.

 

[Tincatinker]

Nah. It’ll be great once we’re all chipped. No need for passports; no more “where’s my card”; no more “but I only stopped for one drink officer”: won’t even need to call home anymore- you’ll be on the live feed….

Aah for the simple life - chat monkeys feeding witty repartee straight into your earpiece and the bar service knowing what you want at the same moment you do

 

[basquelady]

I think it might be a problem of cultural background and habits.

Where I live, it is very rare to see a dog roam around without its owner close by. If you find a dog here that is not accompanied by an owner, it is assumed that it is lost or homeless, and it's normal procedure to take it to a shelter (we don't have kill shelters here, so it's an easy decision since no harm will come to the animal), so it can be reunited with its owner or be adopted by someone else.

Also, in other countries owned dogs might not look as well cared for as one might expect from one's own country.

So the combination "roaming around all alone" + "not looking well groomed" + the fact that spain is a country that is (at least where I live) somewhat renowned for having many strays (prejudice?) might give some people the impression that the dog is homeless, while in fact it is not. And so they might think it's better to take it with them and bring it to a shelter than leave it behind. Not excusing the behaviour, just trying to find an explanation.

When I walked last year I noticed many flyers and posters that informed pilgrims about this problem. I think that's a good approach.

If all dogs were chipped and registered, that would also help reunite dogs with their owners when they accidentally get separated, may it be because of a pilgrim who misinterpreted the situation or something else.

I have fond memory of being still a good way from Los Arcos on a very hot day, probably 2014, when an energetic small dog bounded up the track. He ran well past us and I had the idea that he had been sent to check out how many pilgrims were still on the track, en route to "his" albergue. I'm not a doggie person but I did warm to his apparent dedication to task. He was probably just en route to meet his mates, but I favour my explanation.