Dogs from Spain bring diseases to Belgium / the Netherlands
Fable! A dog that is a carrier of a dangerous contagious disease such as rabies (rabies) will not be brought to Belgium / the Netherlands, if only that it is not allowed by law. However, it is true that so-called “Mediterranean diseases” such as leishmania or heartworms are on the rise northwards. However, this has little to do with the adoption of Spanish dogs, which is usually done responsibly and expertly. The spread of, for example, ticks or sand flies can be compared to that of viruses: due to the changing climate we see that these types of 'pests' from southern Europe move northwards. However, in Belgium / the Netherlands there are no sand flies that transmit the parasite of Leishmania, so there is no need to cause unnecessary fear, which unfortunately sometimes happens.
When traveling in Southern Europe with your dog, you must take into account the risk of contamination. By using good protective equipment such as tick collars and flea sprays, it is easy to protect both the dog and yourself against this. However, not all Belgian and Dutch vets have the same experience with the typical Mediterranean diseases. Unfortunately, there is often ignorance, which leads to unnecessary fear mongering. In Spain, where an estimated 5-35% of dogs are infected with Leishmania, it is a fairly regular condition, which is treatable in most cases. Fortunately, the majority of veterinarians in Belgium / the Netherlands are increasingly aware.
You can't just take dogs from Spain to Belgium / the Netherlands
Fable! Accompanied dogs and cats can legally travel within Europe, provided they are microchipped, have a European pet passport and have been vaccinated against rabies. Their chip number is also stated in their passport. In general, dogs up to 8 kilos are allowed in the cabin; dogs that are heavier go into the cargo hold in a firm plastic travel bench. It is a myth that they would be in the cargo hold in an ice cold room between the suitcases of passengers. The pilot is always informed in his briefing prior to the flight whether and how many dogs are in the cargo hold during the flight. He or she then adjusts the temperature properly in the part of the cargo hold where the animals are placed.
Dogs from Spanish shelters are traumatized
In part, unfortunately, this is true. However, not all of them! There are in the reception of ACE|SHIN also many happy, people-oriented dogs who, despite their experiences, have retained a lot of faith in humans. Moreover, for almost all dogs, a lot can be achieved with patience and love. Dogs that are traumatized, and that happens, are first left alone in the shelter. Here they are observed daily by the local volunteers. When it appears that a dog is too damaged to be a reliable housemate, it is not put up for adoption and a foster family is sought that is familiar with the specific approach and handling of such cases.
Spanish dogs are fear-biters and can therefore not be placed with children
Partly true! There are dogs in Spanish shelters, as is the case with Belgian / Dutch dogs, that are not suitable for placement with young children. This is because they have not learned to interact with young children during their socialization period, or because they have been abused by children. Unfortunately, we still see this happening in practice. A puppy is traditionally a popular gift for children in Spain. Often the children are still much too young to properly raise the animal and, as long as it does not become potty trained or grows bigger and the fun is over, it ends up in a shelter.
All dogs will be with ACE|SHIN judged on behavior and observed how they react, also in stressful situations. Many dogs can react fearfully to unexpected stimuli, but will not bite. With the right upbringing, rules of behavior and a dose of patience, they can become excellent house dogs that can be placed in a family. Fortunately, this applies to the vast majority of dogs. However, when in doubt, the dog will only be placed in a family with older, or no children.
Due to the adoption of a dog from Spain, the shelters in Belgium / the Netherlands remain full
Fable.Unfortunately still a popular statement in the media. ACE|SHIN is a rescue organization. ACE|SHIN is a strong supporter of the adoption of a shelter animal, wherever it comes from. Many employees of the foundation and adopters of a Spanish dog have already had a dog from a Belgium / Dutch shelter. People can have different reasons for adopting a dog from a country other than Belgium / the Netherlands. As a foundation, we take the position that everyone should have the choice to determine for themselves what kind of dog he or she wants to adopt. In Southern and Eastern Europe, unfortunately, animal welfare is in poor condition in a number of regions. We believe that within Europe, where internal borders no longer exist, we should not stop at the border with aid to animals. In addition, where possible we will try to improve the lot of dogs and cats, whether in Belgium / the Netherlands or in Spain.