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Safe as houses All that jazz Shops strike
RESIDENTS in Mallorca can now apply to buy a new home with the regional government as guarantor.
next, but Housing councillor Rosario Sánchez has said that she is convinced that it will continue beyond 2014.
According to the police force, the 58yearold ramblers lost their way while out on a hike, but were unable to call for help until the following day due to a lack of telephone signal.
After spending the night out in the open, they finally managed to get through to the emergency services, triggering an operation by the Mountain Rescue department.
A helicopter was sent out and found the couple in good health, providing them with water and warm clothes before carrying them to safety.
PET shops in Mallorca are threatening to strike over new restrictions enforced by the Spanish government’s new animal welfare law.
Under the new legislation, dogs and cats can no longer be sold ‘through intermediaries’ and can only be bought directly from registered breeders. This effectively means that pet shops must stop selling these animals this year.
The Spanish executive’s aim with this measure is to clamp down on the sacrifice and abandonment of pets while encouraging adoptions.
However, angry store owners insist that the best way to do this would be to target private sellers, as the number of abandoned dogs purchased from stores is lower than 1 per cent. In addition, they explain that they usually have much more information on the animals they sell compared to breeders, especially those said to be operating illegally, which in fact lowers the risk of abandonment or sacrifice due to illness or unexpected developments.
These sales are said to be the biggest line of business for pet shops, who warn that they will be forced to cut back on staff or even close down if the ban is not lifted.
The Govern has signed a collaboration agreement with three major banks, namely CaixaBank, Cajamar and Caixa Colonya, who will offer loans of up to €270,000 to house buyers with the government’s backing.
Conditions to be eligible for the deal include the value of the property not being higher than €270,000 and applicants must prove income rates of at least €57,000.
The regional government has reserved a budget of €15 million for the scheme this year, meaning that more than 300 applicants could benefit. However, Govern sources have confirmed that the amount could increase if applications exceed this number.
The initial plan was for the service to run this year and
Mobility councillor Josep Marí has declared that the measure is aimed at helping residents find a home in an area where house prices and mortgages are among the highest in Spain.
The Guardia Civil reminds walkers that most accidents in the mountains are due to overconfidence in one’s own abilities, poor planning and lack of experience.
Outings should always be done with people who are prepared for this type of activity.
