Letters to the Editor

The news that the Centro Canino Internacional will be granted a license in the near future, enabling it to continue providing a sanctuary for Majorca's animals in need, is very welcome news indeed.

The Centro Canino Internacional is widely regarded for the high standard of its work so it was very encouraging to hear that this has been officially recognised by the decision to grant them the appropriate operating license and we would like to take this opportunity to compliment the authorities responsible for this decision. The CCI has done much to advance the cause of animal welfare in Majorca, which in turn has helped to enhance the island's reputation at home and abroad.

We look forward to the day when the Centro Canino Internacional shelter has received its license enabling it to resume the excellent rescue service which it provides for Majorca's animals in need.

Yours faithfully,

James Hogan, Mayhew Animal Home & Humane Education Centre

Dear Sir

I respond to the letter from Mike Lillico (Wednesday, April 16th) regarding his statement that if you produce either your residency card or certificate you can avoid the 3% retention of the sale price of your property at source by the Notary. In March 2007 a new directive was issued stating that residency cards/certificates alone were not acceptable to avoid capital gains tax. To qualify for exemption from this tax the seller must be a FISCAL resident and will be required to present proof from the tax authorities in Spain of their most recent income tax declaration when the contract of sale is signed at the Notary. This legislation was introduced specifically to prevent the “game” of non-resident property owners applying for residency status for a brief period for the sole reason of avoiding the payment of capital gains.

Yours faithfully,

Helen Shortland, Palma

Dear Sir,

In reply to the letter from Helen Shortland, my letter of the 15th April was merely to point out that if you have a good system in place, why change it. I think I made it clear what I think of the British system and how it does not work.

Why let the paranoia of a few English people who think it is an infringement of their human rights to have to carry the residencia card to spoil a good thing. If they do not like the system, England is a two-hour flight away.

When we came to Spain we accepted the rules of the country, warts and all, and we were happy to do so.
Yours sincerely

C Crane