Dog maimed by an illegal trap

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Dog maimed by an illegal trap - legally sold!

Written by Marie Mombers

Dog maimed by hunting trap In September 2011 one of the long standing members of our animal rescue group in S.Bras de Alportel received an SOS call from the president of our local parish council (Junta da Freg.) He had spotted a dog stumbling along the secondary road between S.Bras and Alportel, which leads to the hills and great hunting territory.

With help from a member of our local fire-service, they managed to capture the terrified and badly wounded dog and transport him to our vet in Almancil.

His missing leg had been ripped off in such a way that only a large trap, probably used for hunting wild boar, could have caused such damage. On arrival at the vet clinic

These medieval traps are allowed to be sold at local fairs such as the much loved, annual Feira da Serra in S.Bras. But, I have been informed that although people can purchase them, they are not allowed to use them. This is against the law.

The wound was not fresh so the dog had been walking about on 3 legs for sometime. If someone had spotted him before, they certainly did not bother to inform the authorities. Perhaps dogs with 3 legs in Portugal are a common sight....who knows.

The vet was amazed that he was still alive. Maggots had consumed most of the old rotting flesh and this probably helped to save his life and keep infection to a minimum.

TLC and lots of patience is what he needs now We asked the parish council president if the council would pay the vet bill for this dog maimed by an illegal trap, legally sold, most probably in our own community, but he had no comment about financial matters.

In other words, "he who rescues the dog, pays the bill." Of course, this attitude is not new to animal rescue groups working all over Portugal. Portugal receives EU funding and has signed EU legislation on paper, but financial and hands-on help is "pie in the sky". And laws/legislation do not exist in the eyes of most, so it seems.

The hunting season has started again. How many more victims are going to need our help during the coming months?

If people would like to contribute to helping this dog get back his life and a new home, donations, however small, would be very much appreciated. Safe, comfortable for the moment and not lost his trust in man.