About us
Our History
The island of La Palma is renowned as a BIOSPHERE RESERVE, thanks to its imposing volcanoes, beaches, clear skies and spectacular landscapes of lush forests with prehistoric vegetation.
These characteristics attract green tourism, which not only enjoys nature in capital letters, but also emphasises respect for it, for the environment, local flora and fauna, organic farming and the general treatment of animals.
It is on this last point that we believe the island has a significant problem that greatly affects its image: the abandonment of dogs and cats. This problem can be solved with political will, citizen collaboration, and the cooperation of animal welfare associations such as ours, which are willing to contribute ideas and carry out the necessary work on the ground.
All about Benawara
The Benawara Animal and Plant Protection Association of La Palma has been operating in the Aridane Valley area since its establishment in 2016 and works on projects that focus on rescuing and defending animals that live on the streets or have been abandoned.
Aware of the impact that human actions have on animal welfare, we are altruistically involved in safeguarding respect for and helping animals. All of this is done within the current legal framework in Spain.
The main objective of its actions is to achieve maximum social benefit through animal welfare, as a result of the work carried out and the resources allocated to it.
Currently, as a result of the eruption of the Tajogaite volcano in September 2021, Benawara faced the difficult challenge of building and maintaining a shelter with its own resources to house the dogs and cats left homeless after the volcano, in addition to the daily cases of animals abandoned on the street, sick or run over.
The Benawara Protection Association also continues to assist community cat colonies using the CER method (capture, sterilisation and return) in the municipality of Los Llanos de Aridane, feeding all of them, which number more than 30 with a total of approximately 500 cats, twice a week and providing veterinary care when necessary, as well as keeping the feeding areas clean and free of parasites.
From here, we want to encourage all people who love and respect animals to collaborate in the work of helping and protecting those most in need because, together, we can build a society without animal abuse, a society where social and animal welfare go hand in hand.
Who are we?
Refugio Benawara is a non-profit shelter established on La Palma since 2016, dedicated to rescuing and caring for dogs and cats that have been abandoned or are in emergency situations after the eruption of 2021. We are currently operating from temporary facilities provided after that volcanic crisis, while we work on the construction of a permanent shelter.
Our Mission
To rescue, care for and protect dogs and cats in situations of abandonment or mistreatment, giving them a second chance through love, respect and responsible adoption.
Our Vision
To build a world where no animal is invisible, where every animal has a home and where empathy for the voiceless is an essential part of our society.