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Issue 618
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SOUTH EDITION
19-25 AUGUST 2011
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Dogs’ death camp
Some of the rescued dogs
by Jack Troughton DOZENS OF dogs are believed to have died in a ´concentration camp´ run by a woman seemingly obsessed with collecting canines on the Costa Blanca. Shallow graves in an olive grove hide the bodies of victims – skeletons picked over by scavengers and flies – while living animals are locked away behind a wire compound. And RTN was told the country house lacked mains water or sanitation – yet the 40-year-old had assembled a pack of some 30 dogs. This week animal lovers took action and with the protection of police removed seven dogs fostered with the woman by animal charity Amigo Mio. The move was sparked after shocked neighbours watched helplessly as a small member of the pack was ripped apart by its peers. Blood stains are still
visible on the lane near the house in Benimallunt, near Benissa. Seven Amigo Mio dogs were rescued in the raid on Tuesday and are now being cared for at the Aliaga vet and kennels in Teulada. However, Pam North said it was hoped permanent homes could be found for the animals and the remaining dogs given a safe haven. “It is like a concentration camp for dogs,” she alleged. “This woman, put politely, is an eccentric and seems to be obsessed with collecting dogs.” Pam, who lives a short distance away, said there was a “fracas” as she helped take the seven dogs away and onto the kennels and police were called. And she said it was hoped the Blue Brigade would take legal action but feared the woman renting the property, believed to be moving to a new home, would simply spirit the remaining dogs away.
Pam said the dogs were let loose at night and despite the complaints of neighbours wandered the surrounding countryside. Speaking outside the house, she said: “Last Friday night, just around the corner, they just set on one of their number. It was terrible and there is still blood all over the road. You cannot blame the dogs – they are very friendly as individuals but were in a pack. “Thank God it was not one of the neighbours’ pets because I think she would have been lynched.” Pam, who financially supports the work of Amigo Mio, criticised the charity for continuing to use the woman – known only as Ellona – as a foster home. “I came on Tuesday night with Marta from the charity to collect the seven chipped Amigo Mio dogs and there was a fracas and Marta was thrown to the ground,” she alleged. Continued to page 3