Shelters and Associations across the Algarve wake up to this problem daily. Jenny Clarke, President of the Association for the Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), is witnessing the problem first-hand. “It’s a shock to see what humans can sink to.”

Her recent visit to Alvor and a new feral-cat-colony-friend showed her the result of such pitiful behaviour. “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.”

Credits: Supplied Image;

A local vet gave the volunteer the impression he would give her “special rates” for the sterilisations. “It didn’t work out.” Jenny looks exasperated. “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 “tipping” is understood internationally amongst cat colonies as identifying markers. Finally, Jenny collected the cats and reinstalled them with their Parchal vets, who did the ops and tipped the cats as normal procedure. Good news: the abandoned 1-year-old SNiP’d Biscuit was re-homed quickly and efficiently.

A pair of Estrella de Aries was found roaming the Loulé streets. ARA took them into care. João Ferreira, General Manager of Animal Rescue Algarve’s Shelter “Cabanita,” was disgusted by their appearance. Months, if not years, of filth, excrement and matted hair. “Usually associated with small, dirty areas with limited light and space.” Identifying the owner was simple; they were both chipped. When confronted with the seemingly “abandoned” filthy dogs, she was reported to have said this was their normal natural condition. They remain for the time being at “Cabanita”, receiving the care, love and attention they deserve. Amongst the success stories of ARA’s work, 2nd prize by 20,000 “Worldpacker” volunteers as the best place to work, are the terrible tragedies turned into beautiful success stories of lovingly re-homed animals. Given another chance. APAA’s funds are donated to many shelters and associations within the community, helping where needed most.

Visit APAA Charity shops, Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat10.30am–2pm, Rua Elias Garcia 20, Silves: Mon-Fri 10am–2pm(Sat1pm), Silves. Real bargains. Books, gifts. Hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself! All proceeds raised for SNiP and abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Good, unwanted gifts and clothes are always needed. Bring, Browse and Buy!

Contacts & Jackie’s lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Pets:info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (mark for Anita-Legacy) Legacy video: https://youtu.be/hNCdd5X-4XI *

https://animalrescuealgarve.com/%f0%9f%90%be-ara-legacy-pet-plan-peace-of-mind-for-you-and-your-pets/

Always Check out APAA’s Facebook!