Here in the Algarve, Mother Nature oversees the re-birth of shrubs, trees and green grass.

“Problem is, animals, this is a time for re-producing often getting out of hand.” Jenny Clarke, President of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve, along with APAA’s own ‘Cat woman’ Zélia, repeatedly attempt to bring the feral feline, cat-colony problem to the forefront of their agenda. SNiP, their Spaying & Neutering Programme, is a large and successful campaign in reducing the animal population. “There is a deep-down problem, where people identify with the animals. Believing they should be able to ‘do what comes naturally’ as and when it is their wish.”

Jenny shakes her head. “If you reversed the roles, would any woman on this planet wish to be continually pregnant, with perhaps 6-9 babies at any one time?” It is understandable that finances also raise its head. “To date, we have managed to SNiP around 200 cats alone in 2024.” Calculating the damage to the cat population without the operation how many more would there be? “Thousands no doubt and not all healthy!” Multiple births especially within feral cat-colonies’ inbreeding, a huge price to pay. “Not all the babies survive or look normal.” Education is a chief tool through schools and generally tries to make the public more aware. “We are trying to get people to be more responsible for their animals’ welfare. “Booting it out onto a cold country lane whilst on heat, is not the answer!”

Pop-Up shop ‘O Tasco’ Senhora do Verde 7 October 12-3pm. Special Menu do Amigo ‘Chicken Piri-Piri’. Book lunch directly at 282 471 769. Pictures, ornaments, books a mini-bazar! APAA’s Stand CA6 at Afpop’s BLiP (Better Living in Portugal) Saturday/Sunday 12/13th October. Sat 10-6pm/Sun 10-4pm. Special welcome for all! Come and chat. Tote-bags available ‘Pop-Up’ shop at ‘Jolly’ Bar Alvor Friday 25 October 10.30-2pm Another amazing shopping adventure. Check out the curtains and linen. Gill Goode’s arts, cards and prints. Fiona’s Fi-Line clothing, jewellery and make-up. Weather willing. Ferragudo Fair Car Boot Sale Sunday 10th November and 8th December starts at 8.00 am! Also, keep a look out for APAA on Facebook’s monthly group Charity Auctions with Emporium. Coming up soon; Fonta do Pedra, Alcalar dinner and dance ‘Poor Man’s Band and Recanto dos Mouros Silves. Lunch and Music.


Visit APAA’s Charity shops at Alvor and Silves always welcoming shoppers who bring and buy. Stacked with goodies! Don’t forget all ‘Pop-Up’ Shops, and stalls will have a super yummy array of homemade jams, preserves, chutneys and marmalades and scrummy cookies! New tote-bags. All funds raised are for SNiP, cat-colonies and abandoned animals.

Contact: Help info.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Cats: zelia.santos@live.co.uk

Events info: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

BLiP: info@afpop.com