As wildfires devastate parts of Spain, veterinarians and animal welfare groups are raising the alarm over the lack of emergency protocols for animals.
The fires have not only destroyed homes and forests but have also led to heartbreaking scenes of suffering and death among both wild and domestic animals.
Last week, a fire broke out in Tres Cantos, north of Madrid, killing sheep and cows. More than 20 volunteer veterinarians rushed to nearby farms to help animals in need.
“There were animals that needed urgent veterinary care,” veterinarian Coro Repullés told newspaper El Español.
In just one sheep farm, between 80 and 100 animals were treated in a few hours. Many others, including burned sheep stuck to fences, could not be saved.
26 horses died
In the same fire, 26 horses died in their stables. A 55-year-old man who tried to save them suffered severe burns and later died in the hospital.
Veterinarians argue that this suffering could be reduced if there were a dedicated emergency veterinary corps. “There should be a specialized veterinary corps for emergencies,” Repullés said.
Currently, animal rescue depends heavily on volunteers, which leads to delays and gaps in care.
The Salvando Peludos Foundation has publicly denounced the lack of official animal rescue protocols in Madrid’s emergency plans. They point to Spain’s Law 7/2023, which requires the inclusion of animal protection in disaster response plans.
Wildlife is also suffering on a massive scale in the wildfires in Spain. In Galicia and other forested areas, fast-moving fires have destroyed the habitats of deer, rabbits, wild boar, and even endangered species like the Iberian wolf.
This year’s fires have already burned more than 382,000 hectares, according to the EU’s Forest Fire Information System, more than twice the size of London.
Animals left helpless
Without proper emergency planning, many animals, whether in stables, shelters, or the wild, are left defenceless. Veterinarians warn that physical injuries are just part of the suffering. Animals also face severe stress, smoke inhalation, and psychological trauma.
Environmental groups and experts argue that including animals in fire response plans isn’t just about compassion. It’s also about rebuilding ecosystems.
Wildfires disrupt entire food chains and can take 10 to 20 years for full biodiversity recovery.
Animal welfare experts are now urging Spanish authorities to create an animal protection protocol, complete with training, coordination, and resources for real-time rescue, care, and evacuation.
