“Although there is an Animal Protection Law, it is often ignored”
The recent, shocking but short-lived revelation that the Portuguese government would not be sanctioning their €13 million for animal welfare within its 2025 State Budget left many shelters and associations reeling. Their daily work and commitment severely financially impaired by withdrawal of its funding. Pressure by peer groups and petitioning finally saw it re-installed with an additional amount yet to be confirmed.
“The whole point of the funding is to carry massive sterilisation programmes within our communities,” says Jenny Clarke, president of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), adding: “The increased cat population within the Algarve alone is astonishing.”
For three decades, APAA has been working to establish a network of feral cat colonies and, importantly, rehoming badly abused, abandoned animals. “All funding is gratefully received.”
Once a shelter, APAA turned their sights to their long-term spaying and neutering programme, ‘SNiP’, and the important role of TNR (Trapping, Neutering & Returning) feral cats to colonies, thus reducing breeding figures drastically.
APAA’s motto is ‘Here to Help’, not only the individual but also associations and shelters, with financial aid, physical supply of cat food, litter and cages. “We have a very good relationship with the hard-working animal welfare groups, understanding the real problem and how to tackle it.”
Ruth started Cadela Carlota (CC) just outside of Lagos in 2008, now dealing with 200 abandoned dogs and a ‘Cat Village’ of around 60 cats. “The ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation & Forests) funding is good but not significant in the large expenses we have. CC needs to raise funds from other sources.” Ruth is determined to continue their excellent work.
Wigglestail, a rural sanctuary created by Sofia outside of São Bartolomeu de Messines, also needs help with funding. “We have around 53 dogs and 17 cats and many farm animals,” all of which have been abused, abandoned and require help. “The only money we get is from the reimbursement of expenses from the ICNF every year. Last year, we had extra from APAA to build a second set of kennels.”
Cat lover Corinna opened Carvoeiro Cat Charity (CCC), near Lagoa, in 2013. CCC is another charity needing more funding, helped by a 200-kilo delivery of cat sand from APAA. “We have around 212 cats, sometimes more! Since January, we have sterilised 67 males, 38 females,” she said. The importance of neutering males is obvious to all cat-colony carers. “We try and re-home as many cats as we can.”
Largest but not least of the shelters is ARA, Animal Rescue Algarve, outside Loulé – a staggering project called ‘Cabanita’ born in 2018 and housing more than 100 dogs and around 50 cats.
Founded by Sid Richardson, the shelter relies on its general manager, João Ferreira, and formidable team, comprising paid staff and volunteers. Sid built ‘Cabanita’ on uncertain ground, fighting for legalisation, which just came through September this year. “We are more than grateful for everything we have received.”
ARA puts a lot of effort and finance into the feral cat-colony problem in their surrounding parishes, having sterilised 1,535 cats last year. ARA installs cat-style condominiums practically anywhere they can get permission. Sid’s passion is for fighting his corner.
“Standing alone is hard, but if we can all try and solve the problem, it will be better for all of us,” said João who not only manages the shelter but arranges visits to schools. “Education is very important. We take our paraplegic animals with us.” João has several of his own. “We never give up. Every animal has a right to survive, especially after rescued, often from a fate worse than death.”
His bright smile fades for a moment. “We have petitioned, marched, and argued for what we feel the animals deserve.” Indeed, Lisbon in January 2023 was where over 60,000 marchers asked for animal rights and welfare to be given a voice. Although there is an Animal Protection Law, it is often ignored as animal cruelty is rife. The problem is getting over the 1975/6 Article 32 of the Constitution. In a nutshell. If, for any reason, a citizen is charged with animal abuse, cruelty or mishandling, he or she cannot be imprisoned as a criminal. This is against their rights within the Constitution.
Jenny has a strong bond with ARA along with other shelters and associations. “We are doing all we can at the grass roots. Vets’ fees, feeding, building workable cat-friendly housing … the costs are prohibitive. Perhaps a government legislation for reduction in veterinary fees, subsidies to assist them and us. There must be a reasonable way of working this out together. If we think it is getting out of hand now, we shudder at what the next decade will bring.”
All are in agreement. Change is needed now by acknowledging there is a monumental, almost catastrophic, problem. Commitment to carry out changes at every level. Accountability. Fair distribution of funds. Education within the community. A step leading to a healthy future for all furry friends.
APAA: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
ARA: info@animalrescuealgarve.com
Cadela Carlota & Companhia: cadelacarlota.comp@gmail.com
Carvoeiro Cat Charity: ccc.carvoeirocatcharity@gmail.com
Wigglestail: wigglestailanimalsanctuary@gmail.com
By APAA
