PAWS-PATAS - People's Animal Welfare Society

The Society's History

In the Beginning

In the late 1980´s a group of local residents were concerned by the large numbers of stray and abandoned animals in the area. These animals were mostly malnourished and ill, continually breeding and raising semi-feral litters of puppies and kittens. The only solution that local authorities offered was in the mass roundup and destruction of these unfortunate animals, oftentimes by inhumane means such as poisoning. They were looked upon as “a problem” - we saw them as victims.

Thus PAWS (People's Animal Welfare Society) was formed in 1989.

Milestones along the way:

1990 The Vera Town Hall allowed the fledgling society the use of some fenced off derelict land (next to the cemetery). Planning began to build a makeshift animal shelter.

1991 The PAWS charity shop opened. A narrow, rent-free shell (without a hanging rail in sight) soon became – and still is – PAWS biggest source of continuing income.

1992 Impromptu opening of The Shelter. Although still half-built, the Shelter was pressed into service because many dogs were now being dumped in a dreadful condition.

1996 After growing steadily in numbers, both of volunteers and animals rescued, a formal constitution was drawn up and PAWS was registered as a charity (No.1928), The Peoples’ Animal Welfare Society.

1999 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. Two greyhound puppies were flown to Holland in August – the first PAWS dogs to be adopted outside Spain. Paws Holland was established soon after.

2000 PAWS was honoured by being granted R.S.P.C.A International Associate status. A generous (anonymous) donation of money by two Dutch supporters gave PAWS the possibility of building a new, permanent shelter.

2002 Disaster struck. Vera Town Hall served PAWS with a 30-day eviction notice, and the shelter had to close. Despite this, regular work continued. Emergency homes were found for 40 dogs, The Homing committee redoubled its efforts, residential boarding kennels and supporters in both Spain and Holland offered tremendous help.

2003 The new Shelter was opened near Los Gallardos, with 20 canine residents. The Spanish government's Delegación de Pesca y Agricultura classified the shelter (but offered no financial support!).

2006 An office, and veterinary treatment room were completed, and building work begun on a small cattery. Other specialist areas are planned.

2009 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. Among many other achievements PAWS celebrated the homing of our 1,000th dog in Holland, as well as many more in Germany and UK.

A Remarkable 20-year journey which we hope to continue for many years to come.