Shelters and animal associations throughout the Algarve confront this issue every day. Jenny Clarke, President of the Association for the Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), sees its consequences at close quarters. “It’s a shock to see what humans can sink to.”
APAA’s SNiP programme tackles feral cat colonies
A recent trip to Alvor with someone who supports a new feral cat colony brought the reality of this distressing behaviour home to her. “Cats multiply too quickly. We can only try and keep the numbers down with our Spaying & Neutering Programme, SNiP. But it only needs one or two abandoned cats in one area to start the whole problem. If they had been sterilised as kittens or young cats, we wouldn’t have this horrendous problem.”
A local vet had led the volunteer to believe that “special rates” would be available for the sterilisations. “It didn’t work out.” Jenny appears frustrated. “One of the cats looked pregnant, but this was actually not the case; it was just fat! The vet also disapproved of removing the tips of their left ear.”
This process of “tipping” the ear is internationally recognised in cat colonies as an identification mark. In the end, Jenny retrieved the cats and returned them to the Parchal vets, who carried out the operations and tipped the cats as part of their standard procedure. There was positive news too: Biscuit, an abandoned one-year-old cat treated through SNiP, was swiftly and successfully rehomed.
ARA gives neglected dogs another chance
Two Estrella de Aries dogs were discovered wandering the streets of Loulé, and ARA brought them into its care. João Ferreira, General Manager of Animal Rescue Algarve’s “Cabanita” shelter, was appalled by their state. They had endured months, possibly years, of dirt, excrement and severely matted fur. “Usually associated with small, dirty areas with limited light and space.”
Finding their owner was straightforward because both dogs were microchipped. When challenged about the apparently “abandoned” and filthy animals, she reportedly claimed that this was their usual natural state. For now, they remain at “Cabanita”, where they are being given the care, affection and attention they deserve.
ARA’s achievements include receiving second prize from 20,000 “Worldpacker” volunteers as the best place to work. Alongside this recognition are stories of awful tragedies becoming wonderful successes, as animals are lovingly rehomed and given another chance. APAA distributes its funds among numerous local shelters and associations, providing support wherever it is most needed.
Visit APAA Charity Shops
Visit the APAA Charity Shops at Dunas do Alvor, open Monday to Saturday from 10.30 am to 2 pm, and at Rua Elias Garcia 20, Silves, open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm and Saturday until 1 pm. Find genuine bargains, including books, gifts, handmade jewellery and ornaments, as well as homemade chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and biscuits. There is also glassware, dinner services and cutlery - everything required for your home or rental. Treat yourself!
All money raised supports SNiP and abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Unwanted gifts and clothing in good condition are always welcome. Bring, Browse and Buy!
Contacts & Jackie’s lunches: [email protected]
Pets: [email protected] (mark for Anita-Legacy) Legacy video: https://youtu.be/hNCdd5X-4XI *
Always check out APAA’s Facebook!
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