Steph Tufft talks about animal welfare on Tenerife

Tenerife just like so many places in the world today has a very great number of abandoned dogs and cats and pets that have been the victims of cruel owners. There is a growing need for animal welfare and animal shelters on the island.

Tenerife Islander decided to find out more and interviewed Steph Tufft, an ex-pat who works directly with animals, and who does what she can to help find solutions to the problems she encounters when dealing with animal welfare on the island of Tenerife.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Steph Tufft and I am a Veterinary Nurse and Dog Groomer from England.

Please explain a bit about your business.

I run waggytailspetcare, which basically covers all aspects of animal care here in Tenerife. Grooming, training,, boarding etc.

I am fully mobile and flexible on hours.

What animal welfare and animal shelters are there on Tenerife?

Here in Tenerife there are the obvious shelters which most people know about, namely K9, Live Arico and the San Francisco Animals. There are also the lesser known ones however such as Aktion Tier, Sirius Canarias, and Apram.

What do you think needs to be done to help animals on Tenerife?


The problem here in Tenerife is there are too many animals and not enough people. With pet shops continuing to churn out more and more new puppies, the older dogs dont get a look in. It is a very small island and most people live in apartments where it may not be plausible to have a dog, especially a big one.

Then of course you have the problem of the ex-pats returning home to the UK and time and time again leaving their 4 legged friends behind. The build up of abandoned dogs is getting quite dire and without proper systems being put in place, they wont get the care or treatment they so need.
Luckily there are several refuges on the island, as mentioned above, who do what they can for these dogs.

K9, for instance, removes them from the streets and places them in secure kennels. They have a 90 dog limit however due to space and money. They do what they can and each dog gets fed individually, the correct amount. Obviously, though, they work on a mostly volunteer basis.
Aktion tier is an extremely clean and "proper" shelter based in Granadilla. The difference with this place is they had money and as a result the place is immaculate with their own vet clinic and tiled buildings.


Anything else you would like to add?

Sadly dogs are often seen as a novelty item or a fashion trend. They are not. They are a huge commitment that, should you untertake it, will stay with you for many many years to come. A fleeting visit and an impulse buy from a pet shop will so frequently end in disaster for the poor animal which, once - when cute and cuddly - used to light up your days but now, as you are deciding to return to the UK or wherever you came from is a hinderance and as disposable as an empty crisp packet.

I try to educate people with my line of work. People who could achieve a better relationship with their dog, or people who have their heart in the right place but not going about it the right way. I want to put a stop to the dumping of dogs here. Obviously it is a huge task to take on but with enough people doing the same thing and a better law being passed on the selling of these creatures, we might be able to achieve our goal.

I currently have 2 dogs (originally 4) left up for rehoming that I removed from disgusting conditions. They are amazing dogs and have never been given the chance to love or be loved.

For more info please see:

http://waggytailspetcare.jimdo.com/dogs-up-for-adoption/

http://tenerifedogs.blogspot.com/2010/01/doggies-who-need-home.html