Marbella’s Animal charity Triple A will go ahead with 25th anniversary open day on Sunday

ANIMAL shelter Triple A will go ahead with their 25th anniversary open day despite the ongoing investigation by the Guardia Civil.

The dramatic raid of one of the Costa del Sol’s longest running sanctuaries saw 15 officers seize computers and documents on Monday.

The charity’s president, secretary and senior vet were arrested for animal cruelty and dog trafficking.

The charity said in a post on facebook: “We have to keep working for our animals. This Saturday we will walk our dogs as usual, and on Sunday we will celebrate our Open Day to commemorate our 25 anniversary. Thank you for all the support.”

Since news of the story broke, activists and facebook users have come out in support of the charity, which works to find homes for stray animals in Spain and abroad.

Mary Page, ex-Vice president of animal charity ADANA told the Olive Press she ‘does not believe’ any laws have been broken: “I cannot believe Triple A have done anything wrong,” she said.

Triple A volunteer Joel Harleman said the accusations were part of a smear campaign.

“They want to blacken the name of Triple A,” he said, “We don’t believe this is true and are carrying on as normal.”

In a statement released following the arrests, Triple A said: “We at Triple A are very shocked and disturbed at this situation. We believe to know the people who have started this but cannot say much at the moment.

The Investigation continues and we all have to wait for the conclusions and we believe that will be in favour of Triple A.

Until that time we ask everyone to keep an open mind and stay neutral in their opinions about us.”

It added that without their work, thousands of cats and dogs would have been killed within 10 days of arriving at a government killing station.

The statement read on: “No matter what we are accused off we would like to state that everything that we have done and are still doing is to care for the animals, to shelter them, treat them medically when necessary and try to give them a second chance in adoption families here in Spain and abroad.

At no time do we abuse or badly treat our animals. We have a no kill policy and never put down a dog or cat if not absolutely necessary.”

The open day will be at the shelter in San Pedro on Sunday from 12-7pm.