Story By: Lee Bullen,Sub Editor: Joseph Golder,Agency: Central European News
A British animal lover is set to be caged in a dog pound on the Mediterranean holiday island of Cyprus to put the spotlight on the plight of strays that often have to spend years locked up before they find a home.
The 60-year-old Brit, identified as David Reid who lives in Achna in the district of Famagusta in Cyprus, is set to be caged for five days at the Aradippou dog shelter starting on 24th February.
He wants to show what happens to an abandoned dog by spending four nights and five days in a cage at the shelter.
According to one shelter worker, a stray dog spends a minimum of 15 days in the refuge and if the owner is not found in that time, they go up for adoption. However, it can take months or years to find a home.
Reid, a positive reinforcement dog trainer, told local media: “I want to show people how it is to live in a cage for extended periods of time through the point of view of the dogs.
The goal is “to spread awareness and re-home some of the older dogs who have been in the shelter for years”.
He added: “I am going to experience exactly what the dogs are thinking and feeling during their day in a cage, and what does it do to your mental health.”
Reid, who moved to Cyprus 10 years ago and owns nine dogs, said the project is called ‘One Man’s Rescue’ and will commence on 24th February.
He said that he will refuse to sleep on a mattress, adding: “I got food from my friends at the British army, packaged meals they use for exercises.”
Reid will be able to contact shelter workers in case of an emergency and his time ‘behind bars’ will be filmed 24/7.
He told local media that “yeah, I know I am crazy” but added, “it is going to be fun, I am excited”.
The project is supported by Anna Georghallides of the Elafi Animal Welfare Awards who will be posting daily updates on their website.
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