NEWSLETTER - May 2003
Since our last newsletter there have been some changes. We are still the Refugio dos Burros and our logo remains that of the donkey sanctuary. However, as all our supporters know we are very involved in rescuing dogs and cats as well as the
donkeys!
The new road, the Via Infante, which connects Faro to Sagres, cuts through our property. Since September 2001 the workers have been blasting the land in preparation for the road work to begin, causing both humans and animals stress. The has lost
over 7000sq metres to the motorway as well cutting off 5000sq metres of the donkeys` grazing. The road cuts through the land with no proper access to the other half. The house, now 50 metres from the road has been greatly devalued.
In addition we have had problems with our local council who are vigorously attempting to enforce a new EEC law that requires all dogs to be kennelled, even though the current law states that dogs can be kept in outdoor compounds with 10m˛ per dog.
We like to allow our dogs as much freedom as possible to enable them to socialize with each other and humans, as well as to allow for natural exercise. Kennels would not only restrict their “lifestyle” but are also expensive to build them.
We continue our spaying and neutering campaigns. In 2001 we did over 300 cats and dogs although last year we have only managed to do 130 animals due to disruptions with the road works and the council.
Every dog that comes through the Refugio is blood tested for Leishmaniosis, an infection caused by a mosquito bite that destroys the immunity system and can be fatal. And we also test for Heartworm, transmitted by mosquitoes which lodges itself in
the dogs heart and associated blood vessels. If the tests prove negative we then vaccinate and proceed to spay or neuter and re-home.
It continues to rain cats and dogs . We still get dogs thrown over our walls which often results in it being attacked by the other dogs or it carries disease which can spread.
A couple of times a year we come across abandoned Greyhounds. They are usually older and happen to appear at the beginning or end of the hunting season. These dogs are often incapable of fending for themselves when abandoned and often will just
jovially wander about waiting for their owners to return. When we find these naturally skinny dogs, they are in such a state that they do not live very long after they come to the Refugio.
We continue to receive lots of puppies and kittens found dumped in rubbish bins!
Recently a young cat was picked up who had been the victim of torture. Her ears and tail had been crudely cut off with scissors and she was deaf. She is living now with a lady in the Netherlands.
Our old donkeys can look very poorly. Let us remind that these donkeys have worked all their lives often carrying daily heavy loads for many kilometres. Most were subsequently abandoned and left to die or sold to local circuses as food for the
lions and tigers. They now live happily in retirement but it is not surprising that many have very curved spines and deformed feet.
In the past 6 months we have taken in 3 donkeys in response to calls from the police. We are very happy to say that one is pregnant. It will be wonderful to have a baby born on the farm.
We have two charity shops selling everything from bric-a-brac to furniture, book and clothing. One is in Lagoa center and the other is in Monte Carvoeiro.
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