Spaying & Neutering Programme (SNiP). Who needs it? “Cats and dogs for a start.” Jenny Clarke, president of APAA, along with Zélia Santos, her ‘Cat Woman’, agree. “People never cease to amaze.”
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve has, to date, SNiP’d 200 felines in 2024. If, for instance, these feral darlings were still able to re-produce, we are talking thousands of feral felines.
Humans dote on animals. They seem to transfer their humanoid status upon their animal friends. The deep-down feeling … “they should procreate. It is natural after all”. Terrifying… “Allowing animals to repeatedly carry several offspring at each term,” Jenny and Zélia are worried this attitude seems to be more prevalent.
Financial factors creep in. Sometimes APAA will ask for a donation. “This never meets the demand. But it shows responsibility. Acknowledging the problem.” Pretty little kittens and puppies cease to be. Repeated pregnancies, often inbred, results in horrifying loss of limbs, messy unrecognisable bundles. “Cruel to be kind.”
Jenny and her team have feelings. “We are not just here to catch and despatch. We are looking ahead at the animal’s miserable life in a shed or on the street, begging for food. Sadly, this is true also of domesticated loved animals, where owners still believe the animal should be allowed to impregnate and propagate.” It is natural for them, isn’t it? Booting an unsuspecting female on heat into a hostile environment full of frenzied males waiting for the mating game. Of course it is …
APAA’s diary
October 7: Pop-Up shop at O Tasco, Senhora do Verde, 12pm-3pm. Special menu ‘chicken Piri-piri’. Book lunch direct 282 4717 69. Pictures, ornaments, books, a mini-bazar.
October 12-13: APAA’s Stand CA6 at afpop’s BLiP (Better Living in Portugal) in Portimão. Sat 10am-6pm/Sun 10am-4pm. Special welcome for all! Come and chat. Tote-bags available.
October 25: Pop-Up shop at Jolly Bar, Alvor, 10.30am-2pm. Another amazing shopping adventure. Check out the curtains and linen. Also Gill Goode’s arts, cards and prints, and Fiona’s Fi-Line clothing, jewellery and make-up.
November 10/December 8: Ferragudo Fair/Car Boot Sale, starts at 8am.
Also keep a look out for APAA on Facebook’s monthly group Charity Auctions with Emporium. Coming soon! Fonta da Pedra November dinner and dance with Poor Man’s Band and December at Recanto dos Mouros for a wonderful lunch.
Please visit APAA’s charity shops in Alvor and Silves, always welcoming shoppers who bring and buy. Stacked with goodies! Don’t forget all ‘Pop-Up’ shops and stalls will have a super yummy array of home-made jams, preserves, chutneys and marmalades and scrummy cookies! New tote-bags. All funds raised are for cat-colonies and abandoned animals.
Contact: Help info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Cats: zelia.santos@live.co.uk
Events info: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
By APAA
