Help Save a Life – Spaying / Neutering Programme
Connie Gauci de Brincat B.A. (Hons.) Philosophy
The various animal groups on the island have organized a spay/neuter programme. Most vets recommend this programme because of the high numbers of cats in animal shelters.
The programme offers spay/neuters to all those who cannot otherwise afford it by offering some incentives, obtainable at the various groups. All these groups have more or less the same programmes which are then carried out by the Veterinarian of their choice.
A female cat through her offspring can theoretically produce over one thousand kittens during her lifetime. This tragic animal overpopulation is the result of animals that are owned but are allowed to wander, mating and producing in the streets of our island. Another tragic aspect is that of pets being abandoned and left to fend on their own. I cannot stress the cruelty of such a heartless act. Given these two important factors the importance of spay/neuter cannot be over emphasized.
The programme relies heavily on outside support to cover the increasing demand. It is URGED that those who can afford to pay to have their pets spay/neutered do so. These groups complain that funds are very limited and they cannot turn away those who not only genuinely cannot afford it. Thus I urge those people who can afford to spay / neuter do so to avoid the overpopulation of stray cats on the island.
We have colonies of cats wiped out because the spay/neuter programme was not carried out. The senseless killing of these beautiful and graceful creatures does not make sense to me when it involves a visit to the vet and having the cat spayed or neutered.
Educating The Young
Educating young children from an early age to respect animals and care for them properly should be a number one priority in al Schools whether private or government run schools.
Regular school visits used to be planned with a member of the SPCA bringing a suitable animal to the various schools, allowing the children to interact with it, along with advice about proper care and treatment.
It is a truism, that most children instinctively love animals, although many fear them and a ‘proper introduction’ is terribly important. Safety around animals is also stressed.
A chilling, documented correlation between childhood acts of animal cruelty and subsequent adult criminal behaviour underscores the tremendous importance of fostering love of animals from a very young age.
Adopting From Animal Sanctuaries
Every animal living at the various cat shelters is available for adoption into a suitable home, providing certain basic Requirements are met.
Every adopted animal will automatically be spayed / neutered before it is placed in its new home. In addition some cat sanctuaries provide the necessary vaccinations and inoculations.
It is a very rewarding experience when A lovely feline is adopted by a family who will treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves.
Animal Abuse
Animal abuse is, tragically, all too common on our Island. It is DESPARATELY IMPORTANT that all cases are immediately reported to the SPCA and the police and animal groups. Animal abuse covers a broad spectrum, ranging from acts of downright cruelty, to neglect. Thanks to the vigilance and dedication of the various people who run cat sanctuaries many a graceful feline and other animals have been saved unnecessary torture, cruelty and abuse. Senseless acts like these could also lead to a tragic death.
I have had the pleasure of working closely with Thomasina Cat Sanctuary, and I was impressed with the dedication of the people taking care of about 400 cats. People who would leave their families on Sunday to help feed, clean and take care of these beautiful animals. Thanks to their vigilance and care many a cat has been spayed/neutered and re-homed.
It gives me tremendous satisfaction of realizing that, thanks to their Campaign, the eyes of many have been opened to the plight of animals and we hope that many have been saved as well as innocent lives prevented as a result of their efforts.
It is very sad that misinformation about pedigree cats is leading to people throwing their “pets” out into the streets. A beautiful Persian is always a beautiful Persian whether short nosed or not so short nosed. I am mentioning The Persian Breed because the information given in this particular newspaper was about Persian cats. The person doing the interview showed a lack of knowledge about the Persian Breed and it is always wise that when one is doing an interview one should be well prepared about the particular subject one will be discussing. It showed lack of maturity and professionalism. It did a disservice to these beautiful felines who are as pure bred as the shorter nosed Persian. Thanks to this interview many a pure bred Persian found itself thrown out into the streets. I have been told by a member of one of these Sanctuaries that they really feel for these animals who have been used to a “loving” home and are now condemned to live in a shelter.
The trend is for shorter nosed cats, however the longer nosed cats are still pure bred. One must look at the genotype and not the phenotype.
I have to say “well done” to Animal Street Rescue and their dictum “We make a difference….if we choose” is very apt.
I beg one and all to prevent animal abuse and to help in a spaying/neutering programme by helping Thomasina Cat Sanctuary and Animal Street Rescue as well as various other animal welfare groups.
