DPDSAA and SOSAA aim to reduce the number of unwanted animals in the Algarve
DPDSAA is a UK-based animal charity focused on Portugal and originally set up by deceased benefactor ‘Nina’ Pearson, aka the “Cat Woman of Monte Gordo”.
Over numerous years, DPDSAA has previously provided funding for multiple animal welfare centres and associations for infrastructure, temporary shelters, food, veterinary/emergency treatment, etc.
More recently, DPDSAA has engaged with one of the leading Algarve associations, by committing to a results-based six-figure funding, across three years, for their flagship Vila dos Gatos project. In total, DPDSAA has allocated funding of over €400,000 to date.
With our joint-venture partner SOSAA (aka Sterilise Our Strays), we now announce a further planned programme of cat and dog sterilisation that, with the support of like-minded Portuguese residents and welfare associations, should help make a significant step-change within future welfare and birth-rates of many feral cat colonies, plus for low-income-family dogs and other eligible participants.
This results-driven programme is being scheduled to commence with a late 2024 trial, then embedded in Central Algarve for 2025, extending into Eastern Algarve by 2026, then subsequently Western Algarve by 2027.
DPDSAA considers itself very fortunate to be working with SOSAA, who have proven they deliver ‘results not just words’.
DPDSAA is willing to commit further funding of over €640,000 to the overall programme, which is expected to run for three-plus years.
SOSAA says:
SOSAA, aka Sterilise Our Strays, has been working endlessly to sterilise as many cats and dogs as possible for more than 14 years. The joint venture with DPDSAA is very welcome, and very much appreciated. DPDSAA and SOSAA have worked very successfully in the past – Armona Island sterilisation project being an example – and both entities are looking forward to add a positive contribution and effort into reducing the number of unwanted animals in the Algarve.
Early-age neutering and the sterilisation of pregnant cats and dogs will be continued and expanded.
The application process will be simplified. We will be working together with associations and private individuals across the Central Algarve. For practical reasons, DPDSAA/SOSAA will start in the Central Algarve, from Lagoa to Moncarapacho, excluding the Loulé borough as this is covered by another association, allowing us to tap into areas which are in dire need of help, such as Faro and Olhão.
We will also be expanding our network of collaborating vet clinics in time ahead. Once this set up is proven efficient and successful, set up for Eastern Algarve and Western Algarve are in the plans.
A mass sterilisation effort is the only way in reducing the numbers of animals at risk of becoming pregnant…
For more information about the initiative and on how to apply for the Central Algarve programme, click on links below:
Form to apply | About DPDSAA & SOSAA
Article submitted by DPDSAA & SOSAA
