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Volunteers and vets devote themselves to the animals of Sierra Oeste
The Salvando Peludos sanctuary, in Villamanta, has become one of the main shelters for animals affected by the Sierra Oeste de Madrid fires. During the most critical days it took in around 80 creatures and helped evacuated families unable to leave their pets behind.
Horses, sheep, dogs, cats, birds, pigs and exotic animals have arrived at its facilities, a five-hectare property equipped to care for very different species. Some were rescued directly from housing developments and woodland threatened by the flames, while others came from shelters and dog boarding facilities that had to be evacuated.
The team, coordinated by Fernando Sánchez, president of the sanctuary, has also distributed feed, water, cages and other materials in the halls set up for evacuated residents. The help has enabled many families to remain with their animals without giving up the basic care they needed.
At Villamanta’s sports centre, volunteers have assisted people who left their homes with only the essentials. Many prioritised rescuing their dogs and cats over recovering personal belongings, while others needed support to locate or feed animals left on nearby properties.
Salvando Peludos also offers free veterinary care for animals affected by smoke, stress or injuries sustained during the evacuation. Donations from individuals and companies have helped cover urgent expenses and guarantee food for both domestic animals and some wild animals.
The sanctuary was founded in 2013 and, since 2016, has operated as a home for animals that would struggle to find an outcome through traditional adoption channels. Its residents include cows, donkeys and other species rescued after being discarded because of age, illness or lack of economic usefulness.
The organisation has 32 professionals and the support of around 200 volunteers. Its work combines veterinary care, daily care and support for the people responsible for the animals, especially in emergency situations such as the one experienced in recent days.
The experience has once again highlighted the lack of specific protocols for evacuating animals during disasters. While that regulation arrives, the response from shelters, volunteers and residents has enabled dozens of families to find a safe place without being forced to separate from their pets.