For those of you who own dogs and cats, we would like to remind you that there are certain precautions that you should take to ensure the health and happiness of your pets.

1. In the south of Spain, there is a infectious disease called Leishmania and this is a parasitic condition which affects both dogs and cats. Initially this is contracted by the animal being bitten by the sandfly (a small mosquito). However, this can then be passed on from one dog, or cat, to another by fighting if a bite is inflicted. On the resort we have had a few instances of this in cats and these have been put down to stop the spread of the problem. However, the local vet has advised that all animals must be vaccinated to protect against any further deaths. Fortunately, the Community have arranged for this vet in Los Alcazares to join the Owners Discount Card Scheme and you can contact them to arrange for an appointment to have this treatment. Address: Clinica Veterinaria Costa Calida, 10 Avda. Libertad, Los Alcázares. Telephone: +34 968 17 1991. Email: cvcostacalida@gmail.com. Below is a link to explain what Leishmania is and what symptoms to look for.

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_leishmaniasis#.UWb4HqKqmrY

2. In the Murcia area in general, there is a problem of unwanted puppies and kittens. All refuges are now full and cannot take any further animals. All owners should take responsibility to help stop this situation. On MMGR 1 there is a program in place to address the feral cat population and these are constantly being monitored and castrated/neutered to keep the numbers to a minimum. If you have dogs and cats, we strongly recommend that you take them to the vet for the necessary procedures. The benefits are that the animals are less aggressive, happier, healthier, will live longer, do not wander and become lost and of course, will not create unwanted puppies and kittens.

3. Lastly, to maintain the excellent conditions that everyone enjoys on the Mar Menor Golf Resort, we kindly ask that all dog owners pick up after their dogs. Sadly some dog owners do not and it is not acceptable that other property owners without animals have to clean their front gardens after the dog owners have walked their animals.