THE CENTRO CANINO “IS NOT GOING TO BE BEATEN!”

By Humphrey Carter THE Centro Canino is not going to back down and give in to the criminals who have been vanadalisng the animal refuge ever since it moved on to its new site in Es Pila-ri three years ago. In fact, the latest incident, Friday's killing of a foxhound, has sparked animal lovers and supporters of the Centro Canino to take action. A total of 14'000 euros has been put up as a reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Friday night's killing and more money is expected to be added to that over the next few days. One British resident, who lives in the south west of Majorca, has put up 10'000 euros and two others have added 2'000 euros each. The vice president of the Centro Canino, Julie Ford, said yesterday that, while the reward is being put up by animal lovers and supporters of the centre independently, “we have to leave the issue in the hands of the police who are taking the situation extremely seriously after Friday's terrible act of violence. “Ever since we took over the old pig farm as our new site, after being forced out of Palma, we have been fighting a constant battle, but this time, these people have over-stepped the mark. “Police forensics have been down to the site and an investigation is well under way. “So much time, money, effort and care has been put into setting up the new centre - there is no way we're going to give in to the vandals. “We are going to open in January next year as we have planned all along. We owe it to the late Jane Reynolds (Centro Canino founder) who also had plenty of problems and struggles in her day and we're going to overcome ours to make sure the centre continues to care for abandoned animals,” she said. The foxhound killed on Friday was not the first dog at the new site to have been murdered - two were fed rat poison in May of this year - the dog was the first however to have been hanged, although, according to police sources, it appeared yesterday that the foxhound had been poisoned as well. As yet the new Centro Canino has no animals. It launched a huge campaign before it had to close in Palma and all the animals were adopted - however, while it wants to start operating again within four months the vandals are making life difficult and very dangerous. The foxhound, who had only been found on Friday wandering around the grounds of a hotel complex in LLuchmajor, was on its own and only in for the night. The shelter's vet was waiting to locate its owners via the data on the pet's microchip in order to return it. Julie Ford said yesterday that it is a shame the authorities have done nothing to help them. “Palma council, who forced us to close and move, could have been more helpful and perhaps now, they might offer some assistance. We're going to need 24 hour security,” she said. “But, we're not going to be beaten - we have a very important job to do in caring for rescued and abandoned animals. “These vandals are not going to stop us and prevent scores of dogs and cats from having a happy and decent life,” she vowed.