One of the «largest animal sanctuaries in Portugal» will be born in the municipalities of São Brás de Alportel and Loulé. The responsible for the project is the association Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA) and the works have already started, so that the infrastructure can accommodate around 600 abandoned and mistreated animals in the Algarve.
Sidney Richardson, an Englishman who has been living in Portugal for 25 years, is responsible for most of the funding for this idea, which, according to the association, "will very soon pass from paper to reality".
The goal is to build three animal shelters in different locations in the center of the Algarve. In total, “they must have the capacity to house 600 animals and employ around 25 workers. The sanctuaries will have surveillance 24 hours a day, seven days a week and employees will be permanently on site», the association said in a note sent to the newsrooms.
The first phase of the project, called “Cabanita”, and “will house only a small part of the total 600 animals that will remain there until they find their permanent families. The works have already started and the shelter should be fully completed in October».
At the moment, the association «is in final talks with the municipalities of São Brás de Alportel and Loulé, for two possible partnerships», for the installation of two more spaces in these municipalities.
ARA estimates that there are around 10 abandoned animals in the Algarve region alone and believes that "there has to be an answer to this problem!" Our mission is to help abandoned, sick, abused animals and provide veterinary assistance, sterilization, socialization, training and new homes with permanent families».
«One of the great concerns of our association is to treat animals with dignity, respect and comfort, and for this reason, the construction of the sanctuary follows a modern and ecological design. From the sewer system that reuses the water for other jobs, to the highly isolated facilities that house the animals, allowing them to live with maximum comfort and quality of life,” he adds.
In the work plan, the facilities include spaces such as a reception with a waiting area and a small training field equipped with materials that will provide interaction between people and dogs, a veterinary department with an operating and recovery room, areas for
puppies, adults and seniors, a quarantine area, and “comfortable facilities equipped to receive local, national and international volunteers. In addition to the dogs, there will also be areas to house felines».
The project's investor explains that “all my life I have had the opportunity to amass some wealth. My intention is to divide my assets between my family and a charity association. About 12 years ago I was fortunate enough to rescue a spectacular female dog from a local association. She became my best friend and changed my life. Adding this episode to the fact that there are no answers to the problem of abandoned animals in this country, and specifically in the Algarve, where the responsibility lies entirely with small animal associations managed with few resources, it made me realize that this was the way to to take. So I decided, instead of leaving a will with indications, to apply the money while I was still alive, and to make sure that the project is really built and put into action».
The association explains that "it needs the support of companies and patrons as well as volunteers simply interested in interacting with animals."
So, whoever wants to contribute with a donation, volunteer work or simply get better information about the project, the team and the dogs and cats for adoption, can consult this website.
All contributions are needed because, although funds for the construction of the three infrastructures of the sanctuary are already guaranteed, Richardson explains that “it is useless to finance the development of the sanctuary for 600 animals if the project does not remain self-sustainable in the long term. We must ensure that in the future we will continue to have working capital to manage the association. We need sponsors. We are responsible for creating excellent facilities but we ask for support from municipalities, the public and other institutions!».
Sidney Richardson wants to “educate people and change mindsets. We need everyone's contribution to make this sanctuary sustainable and to be an active voice for animals in the Algarve. We are ready to make a difference and become a reference in Europe, due to our quality facilities, good practices and the dignity with which we treat our animals”.
ARA says it is aware that it does not represent «the final solution for all abandoned animals in the Algarve and, therefore, the work should never fall under just one association». Therefore, in addition to valuing «the crucial work that other associations are doing», ARA says it wants to «work together as this is work that must be done as a team».
Sue Sykes is the current manager of the sanctuary and is responsible for finding families for the animals temporarily housed in the sanctuary.
According to Sue, “there are several ways to help at ARA. From simply interacting with the dogs, helping with cleaning the kennels or walking the animals. Soon we will have a training and stimulation area on site with obstacles such as jumps, tunnels and ramps and the idea is to receive people interested in interacting with dogs in these infrastructures».
“We have received numerous contacts from volunteers around the world interested in helping. This is something that we like a lot. We provide them with accommodation and food in exchange for daily help with various tasks,” says Sykes.
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