Lanzarote Cabildo Honors Volunteers and Animal Welfare Organisations

Lanzarote Cabildo held its first-ever Animal Welfare Gala on Wednesday, May 13th, at the Monumento al Campesino, recognising the dedication and hard work of animal shelters, associations, veterinary professionals, foster families, and volunteers across Lanzarote.

Organised by the Cabildo’s Animal Welfare Department, the event brought together public officials, animal rights groups, and residents involved in protecting and caring for animals. The evening celebrated the extensive support network that works tirelessly to improve the lives of hundreds of animals.

During the ceremony, the Cabildo’s Minister for Animal Welfare, Armando Santana, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in protecting animals, stating that “animal welfare depends on the humanity of our society.” He also praised the efforts of volunteers and associations, many of whom carry out their work with significant personal sacrifice.

Santana highlighted that Lanzarote currently has the only government department in the Canary Islands dedicated exclusively to animal welfare. He also outlined several initiatives already introduced, including dedicated grant programs for animal welfare groups, increased financial support for organisations such as SARA and Lanza Animal, and ongoing efforts to establish long-term funding agreements to provide greater stability for shelters on the island.

One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when Petry Morales received the award for Animal Welfare Leader of the Year, recognizing her longstanding dedication and commitment to animal protection.

The gala also featured the presentation of the “Taguaro” award, created by María Nela and handcrafted in bamboo by Yaizart Lanzarote. The award symbolizes community commitment, sensitivity, and the connection between animal welfare and Lanzarote’s identity.

Several audiovisual presentations were shown throughout the evening, highlighting both the achievements and ongoing challenges faced by animal welfare organizations working on the island.

The Island Council also announced it is continuing work on new animal welfare initiatives, including a pioneering ordinance to regulate fireworks, educational awareness campaigns in schools, and a collaborative plan involving Seprona and the hunting sector aimed at improving animal welfare standards.