Return to Donkey Sanctuary
- Return to Newsletter January 1999
News from the Refugio dos Burros – Animal Sanctuary,
Estombar
July and August have now thankfully come and gone, all of us
involved in the rescue of animals dread this time of the year. Not only do we have more
dogs thrown over our gates by people who find this a simple solution to the problem of
what to do with their pets whilst they go off on holidays but also there is a far smaller
number of new homes available and the genuine "rescues" we collect from the
streets and Lixo bins are usually crawling with ticks and fleas. However in spite of all
our recent difficulties and time taken up in the re-establishing our Registered Charity
Status and RSPCA Affiliation we can only say the "proof of the pudding" is now
apparent. In the past 5 month we have rescued 65 dogs, 30 donkeys and 17 cats and kittens
and (with the help of the Val Navio Stables) one 6 year old horse and a fox (with the help
of Dr. Jeff Allen and the Rio Formosa Sanctuary). 76 dogs and puppies and 6 kittens have
been rehomed, 8 donkeys to foster homes.
On the administration side, a good working relationship has been
established with WSPA, whose representative, Dragan Nastic, spent some time with us
visiting the Refugio dos Burros and Circuses and meeting our supporters. The result of
this, we trust will enable us to extend our Neutering Campaigns, involving the Local Vets
in new projects and working with feral cat colonies. We are now looking forward to visit
from the new Head of the RSPCA International and learning what their proposals are for
helping the animals in Portugal. We understand that these two organizations are
collaborating so as not to duplicate work.
In anticipation of the repeal of the Quarantine restrictions in
the U.K. we have established contact with "Animal Helpline" and will be able to
help people with transporting their pets to and from the U.K. and also finding homes there
for our rescued dogs from Portugal. We are maintaining strong ties with North Germany,
where two of our earliest and most valued supporters are based, and many of our dogs have
found wonderful homes there with their help.
Any person wishing to inspect our accounts is welcome to do so
by arrangement with Brian Beckett, an English Chartered Accountant based in Lagoa.
We should, once again , like to express our heartfelt gratitude
to all those loyal friends and supporters who have rallied round and made it possible for
us to continue and get even stronger in the face of all adversities. |
