Calcinatello Shelter Update: Animal Care, Adoption Campaigns, and Volunteer Support

Calcinatello. The San Rocco shelter in Calcinatello, after its confiscation in April due to the expiration of the Brescia magistrate’s decree from February ’99, was entrusted to volunteers from l’Adan (Associazione diritti animali e natura), who worked to improve the situation of the residents and launched an adoption campaign. The shelter has since been involved in new, complex developments. Chiara Pattini, the association’s spokesperson, has intervened to provide an update on the situation. “At that time, our presence in the shelter was authorized by the seizure order, which assigned the custody of the animals already at the refuge to the association, with the specific commitment to reduce their number, register them, and proceed with adoptions, treatments, and sterilizations. “Following the disdequisition — she continues — the ‘Companions of the Road’ association signed a loan agreement with the landowner, Adelina Abeni, to manage the facility. On this occasion, l’Adan committed to caring for its own dogs present (about 300), out of the 627 animals, after the adoptions began following the seizure. “The agreement between the two groups appeared advantageous,” Pattini comments, “but over several months, the ‘Companions of the Road’ only allowed a few volunteers from l’Adan to care for the dogs inside the structure, refusing the majority of association members and sympathizers to be present.” One of the main reasons for disagreements between the two groups, according to Pattini, was the unjustified demand made by the ‘Companions of the Road’ for a fixed monthly fee for each animal in the shelter. This expense l’Adan could not afford, as it was already committed to buying food, medicines, and other supplies. “Deprived of the ability to uphold their initial commitment,” the spokesperson continues, “and lacking other suitable locations to house all the animals, after consulting Brescia and Montichiari local health authorities and the Calcinato municipality, we concluded that the best solution was for Mrs. Abeni to take responsibility for the animals — as the sole owner of the seized structure — supported by l’Adan, members, and sympathizers.” The owner agreed to this proposal, and from October 5, l’Adan resumed working in the shelter, continuing to contribute financially to the animals’ needs. Pattini also announced that in December, the association, “in agreement with the shelter’s owner, will set up several stands to raise awareness among citizens about the stray dog problem and collect funds to help maintain the over 300 dogs in Calcinatello.” Those wishing to help these dogs can make a voluntary contribution to account no. 2 at Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, via Crocifissa di Rosa, account number 1292 (Abi 1005, Cab 11202), or donate various materials (blankets, clothes, rags, cleaning products, bowls, pots, buckets, brooms, sponges, disinfectants, bandages, syringes, nets, gates, wood, sawdust, newspapers). Volunteers are also sought to assist with animal care, including masonry and electrical work. For further information, contact owner Adelina Abeni at 0302731690, Mrs. Marina at 030.253234, or visit the shelter on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 12 pm.