Over the last 17 years, volunteers have worked hard to rescue and recover animals, both domestic and non-domestic. Now, however, the Anpana Lucca association finds itself forced to close its doors. The announcement made on social media was immediately provocative a chain of solidarity which merged into a collection of signatures to be presented to the municipal administration for the renewal of the agreement that had been established for the service in the area and thus to avoid the definitive closure of the association.
Since the announcement, Anpana has hinted that at the basis of the difficult management there are some problems that have arisen with the Municipality: “Last day of recoveries for Anpana Lucca which is closing its doors after 17 years of activity in the area – we read in the association’s announcement -. Thanks to all those who believed in us, certainly the citizens, less, much less, some officials of local authorities who, before making accusations, should inform themselves well”.
The reason for the decision to throw in the towel it would in fact have been determined by the decision by the Municipality not to continue the collaboration with the association, due – it was explained to Anpana – of “complaints” received about the recovery service and the timing of intervention by the volunteers. Criticisms that have been refuted with numbers by the association: “Given that so many complaints arrive at the Municipality of Lucca – President Angelo Bertocchini wrote in a comment on the Anpana Facebook wall -, I would like to inform you that, in a month and a little more, around 70 recoveries have been made with 1, 2 ,3 daily trips to Livorno”. It would not have been enough, however, to clear the clouds on the renewal of the contract in agreement with the association.
Nonetheless, after the announcement of the closure, some supporters and ordinary citizens who have followed and appreciated the activity of Anpana Lucca for years have decided to start an online signature collection to maintain the service provided by the association’s volunteers (click here for the petition) and avoid its definitive closure: “This rescue work, an important activity, is threatened by the possible closure of Anpana Lucca. A closure that would deprive Lucca of a fundamental bastion in the defense and rescue of animals – we read in the text of the petition -. In recent years, Anpana, the naturalistic association for the defense of animals and nature, has played a crucial role in the rescue and rehabilitation of numerous animals in difficulty, providing us with an essential point of reference for animal welfare in Lucca. It is thanks to them that Lucca has such a high animal rescue rate. However this gem of compassion and determination is in danger. The potential loss of this significant entity would be a huge blow to our community and to the animals that Anpana works so hard to protect.”
Also siding alongside Anpana Eros Roofs, regional spokesperson for Green Europe Alleanza Verdi Sinistra. “I remember and underline the exceptional work carried out by Anpana Lucca in recent years – he states -. In just a month or so, the association has recovered around 70 pullets of birds, with an average intervention time of 160 minutes, well below the 24 hours required. This demonstrates the effectiveness and dedication of this association in rescuing animals in difficulty, an activity of fundamental importance for our community. Anpana, the naturalistic association for the defense of animals and nature, represents an essential point of reference for animal welfare in Lucca. Thanks to their commitment, Lucca boasts one of the highest animal rescue rates. Their work is not limited to rescue, but also includes the rehabilitation of animals, ensuring they have a second chance at life. Furthermore, they are fundamental in the intervention of safeguarding nestlings in the event of urgent cutting of trees out of season or for the protection of fish fauna for interventions that involve the removal of water. In short, an irreplaceable resource. Unfortunately, this valuable resource is threatened by possible closure. The loss of Anpana would be a huge blow to our community and to all the animals it protects with such dedication. I am sure that the Municipality of Lucca will quickly renew the contract with Anpana Lucca. It is crucial that this gem of compassion and determination can continue its laudable mission. We invite all citizens to join this cause by signing the petition to avoid the closure of the Anpana of Lucca”.
