The popular square’s bars and restaurants, well-inhabited not only by humans but ever-increasing cats. Discussions on Trapping Neutering and Returning these animals are ongoing. “Either colonies are already in place, or we start one somewhere outside of the public area.”

Jenny has been inundated with people interested in TRN as it is globally known. Another village inundated by feral cats is Alvor, where JeanMarie’s vet is offering a very good sterilisation programme. “We call ours SNiP, Spaying & Neutering Programme, this is now the backbone of APAA’s work.”

The more the merrier is the cry for people in their own communities who wish to keep their feral feline colonies to a minimum. “We, at APAA, know only too well that as soon as you get one area under control, a size you can handle, another wild set of cats turn up in another area.”


The population increase, not only here on the Algarve but world-wide. “It costs time and money to keep SNiP going, cages, trapping paraphernalia, vets fees. Feeding. Monitoring disease, making sure they are under control.” APAA’s interest is also abandoned dogs. “Sometimes we have a difficult decision to make. ‘Amigo’ was an abandoned dog, in the wild. Turned up at a holiday-home, fed and watered but was extremely wary and stressed when near humans. He was eventually trapped and taken to a kennel facility where we had hoped he would be integrated and humanised.”

Unfortunately this is not working. “Gail a dog-behaviourist specialist and Lianne dog lover, tried almost on a daily basis to woo him over. Music, reading. He was just too traumatised.” Lianne has offered to home him but a special shelter will be needed, near to her dogs to start integration and daily training. But he needs to feel secure and this means his own kennel and run.” Donations for his upkeep at the kennels have been very welcome, and have helped enormously. Jenny just hopes his luck turns for the New Year. One step at a time! Happy New Year!

Visit APAA Charity shops Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat10.30am–2pm Rua Elias Garcia 20,Silves:Mon-Fri 10am–2pm(Sat1pm) Silves. Real bargains. Books, gifts. Hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself! All proceeds raised for SNiP and Abandoned animals. Bring unwanted presents. Browse and buy!

Contacts & Jackie’s lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Pets:info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (mark for Anita-Legacy) Legacy video : https://youtu.be/hNCdd5X-4XI *