“The government must help us to help them!” – João Ferreira, ARA general manager
Jenny could not refuse – a lift to ARA’s ‘Cabanita’ shelter, just outside of Loulé. “It meant I could park the van for a change.”
The president of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve is a frequent visitor to Animal Rescue Algarve’s shelter, often taking new friends.
“Terry and his wife have been here in the Algarve for a while and are ready to get involved.” APAA always welcome new ‘blood’. “Especially people who want to help at the political level.” A big ask. “We need now, more than ever, some clout.”
The government’s shocking announcement of withdrawing animal welfare budget for 2025 is fresh in the Algarve’s animal charities’ collective mind. “Reinstated, yes, but we can’t be complacent – it could happen again, for real.”
Sid Richardson, founder and owner of the immaculate jewel ARA, has now, for almost four years, tried to keep the feral feline population down. “As it so happens, we have reached 1,535 sterilisations alone this year.” Sid is determined to get to the 2,000-mark for 2025.
João Ferreira, General Manager of ARA, has just adopted another canine amputee. Everyone, Jenny included, admits some trepidation when meeting these unfortunate, disfigured canines for the first time. João is young, dedicated and extremely talented with the running of ‘Cabanita’- “I don’t give up!” He too has a deep desire to get a proper legislation in place for the treatment of animals here in Portugal.
“We need to take the question of animal welfare to the heart of the problem.”
His team, all young and eager to progress animal rights, are in unison. “The government must help us to help them!” Statistics show that for every shelter or animal welfare association, there is a huge shortfall of monetary provision for feral cat-colonies, sterilisation, and care of abandoned animals. “It isn’t just a matter of scraping them off the streets. It’s sterilisation”, or SNiP as APAA’s campaign is called.
Spaying and neutering is essential to keep the thousands upon thousands of feral cats and abandoned dogs at a reasonable level. “It’s not getting out of hand; it is out of control! They need feeding, veterinary care, re-homing. It all costs.”
ARA’s and APAA’s charity shops and events help, but they all agree: “It just touches the surface.”
So, how can Terry help? A retired legal person who wants to assist negotiating with PAN (People, Animal and Nature Party) and their work with the government for releasing more funds and creating an environment where abuse, brutalising and dumping of animals is a crime. Can you help?
Meantime, young ‘Carla’, a hit-and-run survivor thanks to APAA, has pulled through a broken pelvis without surgery. Jenny has adopted the young lady and is all smiles. Another winner. Keep flying that flag!
APAA: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
ARA: info@animalrescuealgarve.com
By APAA
