Those who have pets and have suffered their loss know how devastating it can be. Sid Richardson, CIC, Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA), based in Loulé, has recently lost a pet, ‘Dudu’, and another, ‘Malu’, is seriously ill in hospital care. Sadly, the cause of the dogs’ demise was due to plants they have had for many years in the garden: the highly toxic Cycad, infamous for its poisonous clusters of colourful berries. This small, ornamental plant is also known as Cycas revoluta, or Japanese Sago palm.
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) and ARA have strong alliances with their love of animals.
Shocked to hear the news, APAA’s Jenny Clarke said: “They are attractive in all sorts of settings, all-year-around bushy, green with colourful clusters of berries or large seeds. A tempting morsel for a nosey dog.”
The poison is one that acts fast through the host’s kidneys and major organs. It is very rarely treatable. “They are dangerous to humans as well,” she emphasized, worried that children may also be fascinated by the glistening sweet clusters. “We can only send our deepest sympathies to Sid and his family. A shame these plants do not carry a warning!”
On a different note, Jenny has just received a batch of new catch-poles and drop-nets, which are mainly used for selecting feral felines from the cat colonies for trapping, neutering and returning (TNR) to the colony. She grins: “Our SNiP Spaying and Neutering campaign is, of course, well known.” A new cat-colony appeared outside a country-restaurant, with the owner shocked when he realised there were suddenly over 50 cats. A doubtful frown? “Suddenly or not, they need SNiP’ing for sure!” A small private association has stepped up to the plate and will be assisting with TNR and monitoring the colony.
Another problem. The small, private associations need all the financial backing they can get. Some do receive small payments from local authorities under some arcane funding scheme, but it’s never enough. Publicity? Well, yes, if it helped.
Unfortunately, as soon as these small shelters are identified, the public abandon animals in their sack-loads, leaving them begging for help. What’s the answer? “APAA. That’s what we do. We help smaller shelters do their job. Quietly and efficiently without fuss. Your APAA donations help everyone!”
Visit APAA Charity shops
- Alvor: Dunas de Alvor: Mon-Sat, 10.30am-2pm
- Silves: Rua Elias Garcia 20, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm)
Real bargains! Books, gifts, handmade jewellery, ornaments, homemade chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself! All proceeds raised for SNiP (animal sterilisation) and abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Think APAA.
- Jackie’s lunches & all events: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
- Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com – Pet Plan ‘Legacy’, mark for Anita
- Please check out APAA’s Facebook!
