NEWSLETTER - Spring 2000

This is the first Newsletter published since we have been re-established as a fully Registered Portuguese Charitable organisation and as there apparently has been some confusion as to who is doing what in the field of Animal Welfare we would like explain to all supporters our policies and projects and we hope that if after reading this you have any doubts or queries you will contact either Maria de Lourdes Ingle or Nan Richardson and they will be pleased to clarify any problem.  

It is now nearly ten years since Peter Lee Lander and Nan Richardson bought the Quinta Sao Joao in Estombar in order to house their growing family of rescued animals and started to lay the foundations of a legally Registered Charity. During this time many there have been many occasions, sad to say mostly created by the stupidity and disloyalty of human beings, when it was tempting to give up, sit back and turn a blind eye to all the sad creatures desperately needing to be rescued.

However, Destiny must have had other plans for our future and something or someone always turned up at a crucial moment and we were spurred on to try even harder and not count the cost.  After spending a considerable amount of time and money the Association for the Protection of Animals of the Algarve was established, also affiliation to the R.S.P.C.A. and recognition by many other International Animal Welfare organisations was achieved, unfortunately dissensions arose and the Refugio found itself back  to where it began, without  the supporting structure of a Registered Charity.

Once again, unexpectedly, Dona Maria de Lourdes Ingle, our former Vice President, came to the rescue and took us and all our fund-raising activities under the auspices of her newly-founded Association, and now we are able to go ahead with many new projects and give aid to other smaller groups who are working in animal welfare, seeking neither recognition nor accolades.  

In this coming year we aim to establish a second Sanctuary at Goldra for dogs and cats only. So far this project has been entirely financed by Dona Maria de Lourdes, who has bought the land, opened a Bore-hole for water and applied for the Electricity Supply, but now we are appealing for help, cash donations, building materials and physical help to construct the housing and runs. 

We have currently Charity Shops in Carvoeiro, Lagoa, St. Bras de Alportel, Quarteira, Albufeira and the continuing support of John and Doreen Pitelen in Espiche, all the proceeds from these shops is dedicated helping animals in distress. We desperately need good, saleable items of all kinds, please "Bring and Buy" or telephone Nan Richardson, Tm. 96 2633811 and collection will be arranged. Our shops rely on the goodwill and help of our loyal Volunteers  (if you could spare a few hours, come and join us either in the shops or "hands on" with the animals or with fund-raising activities, whatever contribution you feel able to make will be greatly appreciated).  

Chris Cottis and her helpers are planning some "Fun events" including a Fashion Show, Dances etc. so that supporters get to meet each other and perhaps contribute ideas for the future. Thanks girls  - keep up the good work!  The original 50/50 Club founded in aid of the Donkeys continues to be run by Vin Orme and Peter Lee Lander and has nearly 100 Members  - this is the Lottery where nothing goes to administration - 50% of the total to the five Winning Numbers and 50% to the Donkeys.  1,000 Esc. Per month is all it costs  - join in the fun and help the Donkeys!  If you want to know more contact Peter Lee Lander (96 5019796).  

We continue to promote the Neutering of dogs and cats, Dona Maria de Lourdes is lecturing in Schools on the care of animals and the importance of the prevention of the children's pets producing   unwanted offspring.  We hope that this will eventually put an end to the numbers of puppies and kittens left to die in Lixo bins and other horrific circumstances during 1999 we neutered a total of 173 dogs and cats.

The Refugio alone rescued 175 dogs and re-homed 142 37 Donkeys were rescued and 27 re-homed At the present moment we have 18 Donkeys, 94 Dogs and puppies and 39 cats in care (Please note that we cannot accept cats at the Refugio as we have no means of keeping them separated from the dogs, this is why the Cattery has top priority).

Our Policy is  "Rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing"; a healthy animal of good temperament is never put to sleep because we cannot find a suitable home. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to accept ALL the abandoned animals, so  

PLEASE REMEBER THAT WHATEVER YOU CAN DO TO HELP US WILL SAVE LIVES AND PREVENT UNNECESSARY SUFFERING! THANK YOU FOR READING THIS.