From July 24 to 31, the Cabildo of Lanzarote is promoting around twenty activities in various municipalities to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and prevent animal abandonment.
The Cabildo of Lanzarote, through the Animal Welfare Area, has organised Dog Week, an initiative that will take place from July 24 to 31 aimed at promoting responsible adoption and preventing the abandonment of companion animals. The programme includes workshops, information stands, and an educational dog day that will travel to different municipalities on the island, including La Graciosa.
The Animal Welfare Councillor, Armando Santana, has highlighted that the campaign aims to “continue building a society more committed to respecting animals.” According to Santana, “education and awareness are the best tools to prevent abandonment, encourage responsible adoption, and foster harmonious coexistence between people and their pets.”
The information stands will be set up in Arrecife, Uga, Teguise, La Graciosa, Tías, and Tinajo. There, animal protection associations from Lanzarote will provide information on adoption and responsible ownership, as well as distribute bracelets and stickers with messages against animal abandonment. The initiative aims to reach all corners of the island to engage the public in animal protection.
One of the highlighted activities is the creative workshop ‘My Best Recycled Friend,’ which will take place on July 25, from 10:00 to 14:00, at the Camel Interpretation Centre in Uga. Aimed at all ages, it will combine creativity and education in values, teaching participants to make toys for dogs from recycled materials while reflecting on respect for animals.
The Exemplary Canine Citizen Day Lanzarote will occur during the week and is presented as a non-competitive educational activity. Participants will be able to complete an evaluation circuit with their dogs based on coexistence skills, socialisation, and self-control, always from a perspective of respect for the animal. Dogs that pass the tests will receive a certificate and will be included in the Honourary Register of Exemplary Canine Citizens.
Additionally, an audiovisual campaign will be disseminated on social media with three pieces focused on the fight against abandonment, responsible adoption, and the benefits of living with dogs, especially for elderly people and those with disabilities. The campaign aims to amplify the message of Dog Week beyond the in-person activities.
Dog Week is framed within International Dog Day, celebrated on July 21, although the programme has been extended to cover more days and reach a wider audience. According to data from the Cabildo, animal abandonment remains a problem on the island, and this initiative aims to tackle it through prevention and awareness.
Councillor Santana has emphasised that he hopes all activities “will serve to engage the entire society in animal protection.” The programme is free and open to all residents and visitors of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, aiming to promote responsible ownership and improve coexistence between people and animals.
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