“I think the cat community must be very worried indeed.” Jenny Clarke, president of Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), has just returned from a trip from the outskirts of Silves. “We had an alert there were major feral feline problems from several of the community members.”
Jenny had co-opted student Joe from the Silves School to help with the communications. “All for one and one for all.” As soon as the duo arrived, the entire community gathered to have their say.
“The abandoned houses in the area have become a natural secluded habitat for the feral cats, creating their unwanted community and thriving!” Sounds like a good story for a musical. “We will need the help of some good local shelters and some hefty helpers.” They will be setting times and dates to start the collection, sterilisation (through SNiP, APAA’s Spaying and Neutering Programme) and re-colonising of the cats.
As if there were not enough cat problems, a call for help from a clinic. “Two cats had been brought in for sterilisation. But the guy couldn’t collect or keep them.” Having done his duty, he was returning to his home-country but couldn’t take them as he lives in a ‘no-animal-rule apartment’. Stumped again! An emergency call out amongst the membership and an ever-increasing post-it on Facebook by Lisa Dowling, APAA’s editor.
“Another cry for help came too late from a lady who found an elderly cat, which was rushed to hospital and pronounced dead. A heart-attack. But it had taken several urgent calls to GNR and SEPNA – their inaction and advice to take it to the hospital.”
Although Jenny is not a happy bunny, some clouds have a silver lining. Two cats will be fostered temporarily by AZEA in Aljezur. “All the shelters are doing their utmost. We really need more help from the government bodies before it truly gets out of hand.”
Show your support
- Human-aid charity Emporium’s Facebook auction – August 16-23. All welcome as the charity covers so many deserving causes, for the poor and homeless.
- Visit APAA Charity Shops: I Dunas do Alvor, Mon-Sat, 10.30am-2pm; Rua Elias Garcia 20, Silves, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm). The change of season means a change of wardrobe, do it on the ‘sly’ look out for the real bargains. Some of the top designer labels available at such reasonable prices. Also, the homemade chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Yum!
- Follow APAA on Facebook and keep up with our news with Lisa Dowling and all the furry friendly animals waiting for their forever homes. We cannot mention all of them here! There may just be that special furry feline or canine pal waiting just for you!
Jackie lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
