A 'historic moment' for Estepona animal shelter Adana

Charity bosses at the animal charity Adana are celebrating after being awarded a 75-year lease for their shelter on the outskirts of the town. However, before the lease can be granted, the council has asked the charity to make a number of infrastructure improvements - totalling 160,000 euros.

Adana president Susie Brown, who has volunteered at the charity for 18 years, told SUR in English: "It's good news because we have been here for 30 years. It was a run-down goat shack when we first moved in, but over the years the volunteers have built it up. So we feel more stable now as we have officially been given the place. It's a historic moment for the charity."

Susie, who is originally from Newcastle and has lived in Spain for 27 years, explained that the monthly running costs for looking after some 120 dogs are around 10,000 euros.

"We receive no financial support from any government organisations, every single euro comes from donations," she continued.

"For the past year and a half we have not been able to organise any fundraisers or open our shop. Our volunteers have kept us going, but it's been a struggle," she said.

The charity, which has three members of staff and scores of volunteers, is now appealing to the public to help it raise the remaining funds needed to get the Zoological Licence.

Susie added: "So, if you could see yourself donating towards a fantastic new future for all the abandoned dogs we rescue, please give generously."