Many of the Algarve’s animal rescue and care associations have hit back at the plan by the region’s mayors to set up two ‘super kennels’ at which to collect unwanted and stray cats and dogs.
Fearing, amongst other scenarios, that the euthanasia rate would increase ‘behind closed doors’ and above the new limits set by recent welfare legislation, the animal rescue groups and privately operated shelters want to halt the council’s plan for the new centres in Alcoutim and Aljezur.
The current legislation states that each council area must have a council vet and facilities in place to take in, treat and re-home unwanted companion animals, although this is not the case with only 180 of Portugal’s 308 municipalities offering such facilities.
The current set up in the Algarve, relying largely on charitable and privately run care facilities, has developed due to many councils ignoring the legislation. The councils that do provide municipal kennel facilities in Portugal have been criticised over the years for a lack of space, hygiene and the high destruction rate of healthy animals which are unfortunate enough to end up being taken into council care.
The animal care associations across the Algarve have banded together to reinforce the fact that they are able to provide the care needed in rescuing and re-homing stray cats and dogs and, with added financial support, are best placed to cater for this ever-present regional problem as long as the councils play their part.
Calling on the mayors’ group AMAL, to stop and asses the cost of new super kennels when compared with localised support for existing facilities, the group ask the mayors to start a sterilisation and awareness campaign, especially for the Portuguese population many of whom cannot afford to pay vets to get their animals neutered.
The letter to Jorge Botelho, president of AMAL, states the group’s opposition to the proposed Intermunicipal Official Collection Centers in a plan which “does not serve the region and can hardly guarantee what should be the fundamental principle underlying the construction of this type of infrastructure - animal welfare, first by their remote location and their size.”
Noting that the super kennels will be at either end of the Algarve, the group say this poses logistical problems, increases costs, hinders community involvement, especially for volunteers who will still be available to assist in socialising and exercising animals. The likelihood of animals being adopted is reduced if people have to drive to Aljezur or Alcoutim to look for a new pet
The group makes a series of point to AMAL which itself is in the process of carrying out a cost-benefit analysis for its new 'super kennels' idea
The group states that, "Animal welfare organisations should be included in the discussion and involved in finding solutions
"It is necessary to opt for the construction of additional, but smaller centres, each serving serve 2 or 3 council areas
"The construction of collection centers in isolation does not solve the problem. An integrated approach that incorporates different measures is absolutely necessary.
"Municipalities, directly or in collaboration with zoophilic organizations, must promote campaigns for the widespread sterilization of street animals at special prices for needy families, plus adoption campaigns, education and public awareness.
"Councils must ensure that the municipal veterinary surgeons are able to carry out their duties fully.
"The competent authorities should ensure a more comprehensive inspection regime in order to enforce the current laws, including micro-chipping and registration of animals.
"Part of the proceeds of fines and registration fees for animals must be channeled to animal welfare and protection measures to ensure the protection of public health.
"Local communities must be involved and accountable as more and more volunteers are involved in solving these problem."
The associations signing the letter to AMAL, criticising the current supper kennel idea, while suggesting a local solution are:
PRAVI - Faro
PRAVI - Albufeira
CIAA - Faro
MAF - Faro
Animais da Rua - Faro
Coração100Dono - S. Brás de Alportel
2NdHand4Footers - S. Brás de Alportel
SOS Algarve Animals - Loulé
Goldra Dog Sanctuary - Loulé
3AT - Tavira
ADOTA - Tavira
GUADI - Vila Real de Sto António
Refúgio dos Burros – Lagoa
Tiny Shelter - Albufeira
CCCatz - Lagoa
ADAP - Portimão
Cadela Carlota - Lagos
AEZA - Alzejur
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See also: 'Algarve mayors move to build two 'super-kennels' for the region's abandoned animals'
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