In the same week that Faro’s mayor announced a €1 million spend on new animal shelter and care facilities, a retired British businessman has launched Animal Rescue Algarve to provide a temporary home for up to 600 abandoned and ill-treated animals in the Algarve.
Sidney Richardson, resident in Portugal for 25 years, made his money in property and insurance and has decided to spend a significant amount of it on setting up the new association and paying for the building of new facilities in the central Algarve.
The first shelter already is being and is expected to be completed in October 2018. Two other sites have been identified and are under consideration.
The association says it is in final talks with São Brás de Alportel and Loulé Councils for possible partnerships.
Animal Rescue Algarve estimates that there are about 10,000 abandoned animals in the Algarve region, one animal for every 45 residents, and aims to help abandoned, ill, mistreated dogs and cats and provide veterinary care, sterilisation, training and new homes.
Richardson’s impetus was his adoption of an abandoned bitch from a local association, “She became my best friend and changed my life.”
Funds for the construction of the first three sanctuary facilities already are guaranteed while Richardson and his new team work on the long-term funding and stability of the association, planning to work with municipalities, public and other animal care institutions.
Faro Council’s €1 million spend will provide a new kennels at Medronhal in Guilhim to the west of Estoi, which aims to provide care to 173 animals at full capacity.
Under the new animal care laws, every municipality in Portugal must provide kennels and medical care for abandoned companion animals.
The Algarve’s mayors plan to sidestep this requirement by building two ‘mega-kennels,’ at each end of the region in Aljezur and Alcountim but some councils already have announced their own plans so are unlikely to support additional expenditure on out-of-area facilities.
See, 'New animal sanctuary announced for Algarve' (Portugal Resident, June 28, 2018)
