We have been here in Spain for 6 years in that time we have rescued 40 dogs. People have left them at our gate and asked us to take them in etc.

We have kept them all. We have a lot of land where they all play out during the day and have a brilliant life. They are all very well looked after and very happy. As are we, as we love all of them dearly. But last night the police arrived and said we wernt allowed to keep 40 dogs. They said we need to apply for some sort of licence. Does anyone know what this is. We are not a charity and pay for all of them ourselves. We dont sell them or breed them for money .

We also have 23 pot bellie pigs some that we rescued 2 of which were pregnant at the time but were unaware. We have been told we are only allowed 3 at the most as pets. So the rest have to go. They said we would need a farmers licence for these if we wish to keep them . Does anyone know about that. Or is there anyone out there who would like a very friendly loving happy pig as a pet . Free to a very good home. Please call 965514216 or 634334103 or email charellen@hotmail.com. many thanks

Wow! Just wanted to say hats off to you for taking in so many abandoned animals. Shame on the people that left them and expected you to compensate for their lack of responsibility.

I can't help as we've got a rather precious Persian cat (rescue) in a house with no outside space. Any attempt to introduce her to a little friend may result in said friend getting beaten up quite frequently.

I guess that anything other than 3 pigs constitutes an agricultural business of sorts. Can you apply for a farmers license? I have no idea what that entails in all honestly, but I dare say will result in some monthly autonomo payments. Could you try and sell the piggies to a local farmer do you think? Or maybe hire some agricultural land, cut a deal and keep them there under the farmer's name?

Sorry I can't be of more help, but once again bravo for what you've done for the animals in your care.

HI there, Yes there is a law against keeping pigs in a private place. Land that houses certain animals must be licensed. I would advise that you go to the Agricultural office in Denia to ask about these laws or speak to a vet who will be able to advise you. Best of Luck

can I suggest you contact some of the animal rescue charities in the Costa Blanca to see if they can give you some advice. It is possible that a denucia as been taken against you, if you have near neighbours they may well object to any noise and smell created by your pets. It is very bighearted of you to save these animals but unless you are very isolated there could be problems. I love all animals but the barking of the many many dogs near us in the campo and the smell from nearby chicken and rabbits is tolerated rather than welcomed even by us.

I wish you all the best and hope its all soon sorted

Very many thanks to everyone for your ideas and advice it was most welcome.

We have decided to move and have bought a property for agricultral use. So we are going to keep the pigs. We did manage to re home 14 of them to 3 very kind people who have given them very good homes. So all is well. The only problem we now have is trying to get them all into the van when we move. Should be very eventfull. Once again thankyou for your kind thoughts ..

Wish you all the best with this. I know from experience that moving pigs can be fun! one helped to move some rescue pot bellies. first try they had been doped by the original keeper, agaist advice, and were just to stunned to move. When they woke we used boards, held in front of us, and slowly walked them into there new home.

Thanks for the advice on the pigs. I think we will have to back the van down to their paddock and try to get them in that way. About 9 of them got out last year and we had to lure them back in with chocolate cake and cheese and onion chrisps. Delilah will be the most difficult as when she decides she is not moving there is no budging her,. Even for chocolate cake and she weighs a ton. I think we will have to get Cadbury our dog to bring her as she has a crush on him.