“If we don’t take care of the helpless, less fortunate, who will?” – APAA
The RSPB (bird conservation charity) had put out a heart-warming report that turtle doves border-lining on rarity had rallied around through successful breeding and were to be found in healthy numbers over the Iberian Peninsula.
Shortly after, a statement had been issued by the government that these beautiful birds were now available for target practice by the local shooters. One hand gives and the other takes …
Not too long ago, BSP (Before Solar Panels), the wildlife had a good run for its money, despite the local shooting or natural occurring disasters/weather phenomena.
With the advent of fields and hills being scraped and manicured for the shining glory of selfies and apps, the natural habitat has all but disappeared. In swathes, it has been decimated for the improved living for the general masses, so we are told.
Birds and other creatures found in the countryside would probably not agree. They are now moving into unchartered territories where they are having to reinvent and rebuild their habitats/nests to survive.
Lithium, copper, fine minerals all have to be mined, dug from the deep, of which there are also consequences. Batteries do not fade away, crumple into coal or peat; they survive, although rusty and misshapen, give off noxious and dangerous fumes from chemicals, long after the battery’s shelf-life.
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) has its roots in four-footed friends, whether found in not-so-loving homes or discarded in the countryside. Jenny Clarke, president of APAA, has just completed another run with an abandoned cat who had been taken to the vet, diagnosed with the deadly cat-leukaemia and put to sleep. The cat was being transported to Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA) for re-homing. Sadly, the young cat did not make it.
“A bit like our associations and shelters in the Algarve! We are having to fight for our survival. If we don’t take care of the helpless, less fortunate, who will?” Agreed. Not everyone has the time, experience or inclination. They are at the mercy of someone’s kindness.
“Events, ‘Pop-ups’, charity shops … whatever we can do to raise money and awareness,” Jenny laughs, “continue we will.”
Support APAA
- Every second Sunday of the month: Ferragudo car-boot sales, 8am-12 noon.
- Friday, May 16: ‘Pop-Up’ stall at Convento’bio Lagoa. APAA stall with hand-made jewellery, gifts and goodies.
- Sunday, May 25: Anita’s Swingin’ 60s Garden Party, at 1pm. Special Bake Sale, sweet and savoury. Retro food and fab music by Alexey. Members €20/non-members €22.50. Book now!
- Monday, June 16: Final Pop-Up before autumn, at O Tasco restaurant, Senhora do Verde (near Portimão), 12 noon-3pm.
- Charity shops at Alvor and Silves. Pop-in and buy. Clothing, bedding, books, jewellery, gifts, and much more. Take in your unwanted presents, household items, especially man-cave stuff.
- Please take note: Jackie’s cookies and Jenny’s jams, pickles and marmalades available at ‘Pop-Up’ events and charity shops, but not car-boot sales.
info.apaaportugal@gmail.com | apaaportugal.com
By APAA
