Jenny, President of the Association for the Protection of Animals (APAA) and her young assistant Joe had made a visit to a small community outside of Silves. Where there is a huge cat problem. “Some of the older houses have collapsed and are gathering inside the ever-so-clever feral cats!”.Jenny and some of the surrounding shelters with helpers will be setting up a schedule for making sure every one of the cats is SNiP’d.

The Spaying & Neutering Programme headed up by APAA has become the forefront of all animal shelters and sanctuaries minds. “The problem is not going away. Far from it. The more we seem to try and cut down the size of the cat-community the more they thrive!” Seasonal issues are also a problem. Cats do like to frisk around in the warmer months.

“Some people still actually believe that animals have the same rights as humans as far as breeding is concerned.” A deep breath. “But, of course, when it starts to unfold on your doorstep, it becomes more like a plague. And, someone has to deal with it!”

Credits: Supplied Image;

A recent call for help to the GNR and their branch SEPNA, was greeted with ‘take it to the local vet’. “This costs money. The cat as it so happens was elderly and very poorly. It died.” The shelters and associations who rely on the government for their much-appreciated and well-earned help is increasing. “We are continually looking to the public for their generosity. Vet care costs. Fostering costs. Feeding abandoned animals costs. If it wasn’t for the communities financial aid and their helping hands we would be lost for sure!”

Human-aid charity Emporium’s facebook auction 16th-23rd August. All welcome, as the charity covers so many deserving causes, for the poor and homeless.

Why not visit APAA Charity shops I Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat10.30am–2pm Rua Elias Garcia 20,Silves:Mon-Fri 10am–2pm(Sat1pm) Silves. 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 home-made 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 for you!

Time on your hands? Why not volunteer and help us help you. There are so many things; an hour at the charity shop. Collecting food.

Jackie Lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Pets & Help: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Legacy ‘Pet Plan’ video : https://youtu.be/yjP0obY0dUk

Charity Auctions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/594035701307971