Lanzarote Launches Island-Wide Campaign Against Animal Abandonment
Lanzarote has launched a new island-wide awareness campaign aimed at tackling one of the biggest animal welfare issues affecting the Canary Islands – the abandonment of pets.
The campaign is being promoted by the Cabildo de Lanzarote and is taking its message directly onto the island’s roads by displaying striking anti-abandonment artwork on public buses. The initiative is designed to reach both residents and the millions of visitors who travel around Lanzarote each year.
One of the campaign’s most powerful messages reads:
“You know you’re abandoning him. He only believes you’ve got lost.”
The emotional slogan highlights the reality that many dogs continue to wait for owners who never return.
Raising Awareness Across Lanzarote
Animal abandonment remains a significant challenge across Spain, particularly during the summer months when shelters often report an increase in abandoned pets. By placing the campaign on buses that travel throughout Lanzarote, organisers hope to encourage responsible pet ownership while reminding everyone of the lifelong commitment involved in owning an animal.
The campaign also aims to educate the public about the consequences of abandonment, not only for the animals themselves but also for local rescue organisations that work tirelessly to care for them.
Supporting Local Animal Welfare
Lanzarote is home to several organisations dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming abandoned animals. One of the island’s best-known charities, SARA Protectora, has spent decades caring for stray dogs and cats while also promoting sterilisation programmes and educational initiatives designed to reduce abandonment. Each year the organisation helps hundreds of animals find permanent homes.
Campaigns such as this complement the work already being carried out by shelters and volunteers by encouraging prevention rather than simply responding after animals have been abandoned.
A Reminder for Residents and Visitors
Whether you live on the island or are visiting Lanzarote on holiday, officials are reminding everyone that owning a pet is a long-term responsibility. Animals should never be abandoned if circumstances change, and anyone unable to care for a pet should seek help from recognised animal welfare organisations rather than leaving an animal to fend for itself.
For tourists travelling with pets, planning ahead is essential. This includes ensuring suitable accommodation has been arranged, understanding airline requirements and having contingency plans should travel arrangements change.
A Positive Step for Lanzarote
The new campaign demonstrates Lanzarote’s continued commitment to improving animal welfare and promoting responsible ownership. By taking the message onto the island’s public transport network, the hope is that thousands of people will stop, think, and remember that pets depend entirely on the people who care for them.
While awareness campaigns alone cannot eliminate animal abandonment, they play an important role in encouraging compassion, responsibility and respect for animals across the island.
