CARE AND TREATMENT OF CATS
FERAL
CAT HEALTH : FeLV/FIV Testing
From
www.castawaycritters.org/
PO Box
86
Elizabethtown, PA
17022
email address
info@castawaycritters.org
CASTAWAY CRITTERS
The James A. Hueholt
Memorial Foundation for Animals
Feral Cat Health:
FeLV/FIV Testing
by Beth Mersten, Best
Friends Animal Society & Anita Frullani, Castaway
Critters
*Note: While this
article pertains mainly to feral cats, this information also is
useful for friendly stray and pet cats.
Whether you are a colony
caretaker or a program director of a feral cat spay/neuter program,
there are some issues regarding the testing of retroviruses such as
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) to
consider.
There are many sources
of information regarding feral cats and testing these cats for
FeLV/FIV. Here, we give you scientific data based upon published
research performed by veterinarians and scientists; information
from the American Association of Feline Practitioners, a chapter of
the American Veterinary Medical Association; as well as
recommendations from some of the largest and most well-respected
feral cat organizations in the United States, including Alley Cat
Allies, a leader in the TNR field.
If a cat initially tests
positive for FIV or FeLV, it does NOT mean the cat is positive. The
words "test positive" are specifically used because "we are not
talking about cats who have the disease or even are positive, but
cats who test positive and that's a very important distinction",
says Nathan Winograd, former Director of the San Francisco SPCA and
current Director of the Tompkins County Humane Society.
Nathan Winograd states
"the San Francisco SPCA realized that the incidence rate of
positive cats is the same for feral cats as it is for the pet cat
population. Twenty percent of cats who test positive will be false
positive cats ... higher with kittens. Besides wasted funds and
false positives, in the end only about 10% of cats who are infected
with FIV actually come down with the disease. Ninety percent -- 9
out of 10 infected cats -- will lead completely normal
lives."
"Essential
to the decision-making process is an understanding of the nature of
both viruses and the limitations of the tests used to detect them,"
cautions Alley Cat Allies. The tests are not always accurate,
reports the American Association of Feline Practitioners. For FIV,
the testing method used most widely is the ELISA (Enzyme Linked
Immunoabsorbent Assay) test, which detects whether FIV antibodies
are present in the blood -- not whether the virus itself is
present, explains Neighborhood Cats. "As a result, the test is
completely unreliable for cats under six months of age who may have
received FIV antibodies from their nursing mother, but may never
have been exposed to the actual virus. For adult cats, because of
the recent introduction of the FIV vaccine, there is now the
possibility a positive test result means a cat has been vaccinated,
not infected. Also, a positive result may only indicate recent
exposure, not infection."
The most commonly used
ELISA is the IDEXX SNAP test. Neighborhood Cats continues, "The
ELISA is also used for FeLV. The test is extremely sensitive and is
prone to false positives from improper handling. In addition, a cat
in the early stages of FeLV infection can still fight it
off."
The AAFP guidelines
state that a cat testing positive after a single test must be
re-tested using a second method of testing after a specific period
of time. It is usually impractical if not impossible to hold a
feral cat for the period of time necessary for re-testing purposes
(AAFP/Griffin).
TNR experts Alley Cat
Allies recommend that "before making a decision on testing, it is
important to assess the cats you are planning to trap and formulate
a management plan first. Are the cats truly feral or are the cats
strays? Will the cats go back to the colony or be homed? Clearly,
tamable kitten and strays should be tested before being placed in
foster or adoptive homes so they can be cared for properly. But
what about untamable adults who will be returned to the colony
site?"
Studies performed by Dr.
Julie Levy, DVM, founder of Operation Catnip-Gainesville-FL, and
other veterinarians and scientists published in the Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Association have shown that "there is
no greater incident of disease in feral cats than there is in tame,
owned free-roaming cats." The average rate of infection is 3 to 6%
of both pet cats and feral/stray cats, reports Dr. Brenda Griffin,
Veterinarian and Professor at Scott-Ritchey Research Center,
College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn
University.
Studies show that using
our scarce economic resources to sterilize more cats than otherwise
would be sterilized given the cost of testing, actually works to
more quickly reduce the number of FeLV positive cats considering
that our area has a euthanasia rate of over 50% for cats (AZCats,
AAFP, CPAA). In addition, removing a cat who has initially tested
positive from a colony does not "eliminate the risk of infection to
other cats, who have likely already been exposed to the virus,
anyway." (Neighborhood Cats). In addition, exposure does not mean
infection (AzCATS).
Neighborhood Cats says
the "primary cause of infection relates more to proper colony
management than to a particular positive cat or cats. In our
experience, colonies with lots of sick cats are ones that are
poorly managed - poor nutrition, inadequate shelter and/or
unneutered animals. These conditions lead to weakened immune
systems and susceptibility to disease. Indeed, some veterinarians
believe it is rare for a healthy adult cat to ever catch FeLV. The
best way to prevent the spread of disease is thus not by killing
individual cats, but by improving the quality of food, making sure
the cats have warm, dry shelter in winter and getting them
neutered."
Alley Cat Allies says
that "despite their being concern over viruses, there is no feline
disease that kills more cats than overpopulation." Viruses can be
reduced by simply by implementing a high volume sterilization
program. In fact, Alley Cat Allies, AzCats and Operation Catnip all
state that sterilization reduces or eliminates the behaviors which
spread disease---roaming, fighting, mating, and the production of
kittens.
Feral cats who are cared
for by a caretaker are sterilized, and live in managed colonies are
very healthy, studies show. It is unaltered cats, regardless of
whether they are from feral colonies or private homes, that wander,
fight, reproduce, and have the potential to spread disease.
Sterilization reduces or eliminates the behaviors which spread
disease (AZCats/Operation Catnip).
Some caretakers believe
that placing cats that initially test positive for either FIV, FeLV
or both, together is a viable option. It is important to keep in
mind that the cats may be in the process of fighting off a virus.
If one makes the decision to test, it is important to follow the
AAFP testing guidelines and re-test.
Even if a cat happens to
be FIV+, Neighborhood Cats founder Bryan Kortis says "An FIV cat
especially should not be around FeLVs, because an FIV cat could
lead a very long life around other, non-FIV cats. But putting them
around FeLV positives means they'll catch that virus too, being
immune-compromised, and die early." Removing a cat that tests
positive will not necessarily prevent the spread of infection
within the colony since the colony's exposure to the virus would
already have occurred. Kortis and AzCATS suggest these positive
cats have a much better chance when left in their colonies and
monitored for if and when the day comes that they reach a terminal
stage (AzCats/Neighborhood Cats).
FIV is transmitted
primarily through deep, penetrating bite wounds made by male
unneutered cats, who roam and fight other unneutered males over
territory and females. It is unlikely for a mother cat to infect
her kittens with FIV (Alley Cat Allies). Nathan Winograd explains
that because the primary modes of transmission of FIV are bites,
neutering will go a long way to prevent the spread of FIV because
altering affects both:
"reducing or eliminating
fighting as well as roaming and mating."
Veterinarian and
researcher of feral cat issues, Dr. Julie Levy, states FeLV is
transmitted primarily from mother to kittens. It also is
transmitted via saliva by mutual grooming and sharing food dishes.
Therefore, spaying these cats reduces the primary transfer of the
virus by eliminating the capacity for
reproduction.
When talking with Alley
Cat Allies, Dr. Levy of Operation Catnip posed two provocative
questions: "Will testing cats reduce the number sterilized?" and
"Will returning sterilized infected cats reduce the spread of
disease?"
Dr. Levy's scientific
model below, excerpted from Alley Cat Allies "Overpopulation Kills
More Cats Than Any Disease", is based on two assumptions. One being
that the female cat produces 5.7 kittens per year that survive to
adulthood; and two, 75% of an FeLV infected queen's kittens also
become infected.
Effect of Test and
Removal on FeLV prevalence
1) Without Operation
Catnip 2) Operation Catnip testing and euthanizing FeLV+ cats
3)Operation Catnip, no testing
# cats terilized 0 833
1500
# cats left
intact 1500 667 0
# intact females (65% of
population) 975 434 0
# cats tested and
euthanized 0 58 0
# FeLV positive cats (7%
of population) : 105 (all intact) 47 (all intact) 105 (all
altered)
# kittens born in one
year (5.7perfemale) 5,558 2,474 0
# FeLV positive kittens
born 292 130 0
Total # FeLV Cats and
kittens 397 177 105
As you can see, this
model shows the "effectiveness of sterilizing a greater number of
cats over testing and neutering or not doing anything at all"
(Alley Cat Allies).
As a result of the
scientific studies regarding testing and feral cat population
control, numerous organizations operating large-scale feral cat
spay/neuter clinics have changed their policies regarding the
testing of FeLV and FIV. Among the many organizations which no
longer test nor recommend testing are:
*Alley Cat Allies,
www.alleycat.org
*Neighborhood
Cats,
www.neighborhoodcats.org/info/releasing.htm
*Operation Catnip,
Gainesville, FL,
www.alleycat.org/pdf/test.pdf
(Note: This group also has clinics operating in Richmond, VA and
Raleigh, NC),
www.operationcatnip.org
,
www.operationcatnip.net ,
www.operationcatnip.com ;
*Feral Cat
Coalition,
www.feralcat.com/tpolicy.html
*Azcats,
www.azcats.org/faqs.html#10
Best Friends'
Veterinarian, Dr. Richard Allen says "FIV is not limited to
domestic (house) cats but can be found in the big cats as well, 84%
of Seregenti lions harbor FIV and the virus has been identified in
25 species of cats around the globe, from cougars in Wyoming to
snow leopards in the Himalayas. It appears that felines have
gradually developed the ability to live with the FIV virus for long
periods of time. FIV should not be a sentence or a stigma. It's
time to end the fear and misinformation about this virus and to
spread the truth about FIV."
Dr. Allen also says it
is possible to keep a FIV-infected cat in the same household (or
colony) as a healthy cat with little risk of transmission as long
as the cats tolerate each other and are not fighting.
In closing, Dr. Levy
said "it is important to remember that we are in the midst of a
crisis. Shelters all over the country are killing stray and feral
cats at an alarming rate. Increasing the number of animals who are
spayed and neutered is the single most effective way to help
control the crisis and reduces the suffering of stray and feral
cats" (Operation Catnip Interview).
Sources for this fact
sheet:
*Central
Pennsylvania Animal Alliance, 2003 Statistics
*FIV - Catching a bad
Case of Rumors, Kristi Littrell,
www.bestfriends.org/sanctuary/creature/FIV.htm
*Brenda Griffin, DVM,
Feral Cat Q & A for Veterinarians,
CastawayCritters.org/FeralCatQandA.pdf
*Neighborhood Cats,
Releasing FIV/FeLV Positive Cats,
www.neighborhoodcats.org/info/releasing.htm
*NMHP Forum, Best
Friends Network Coordinator Beata Liebetruth,
www.bestfriends.org/nmhp/forumarchive/qa707to711bfn.html#six
*Should We Release Feral
Cats Who Test Positive for FIV?, Nathan Winograd,
www.alleycat.org/pdf/fca_spring01.pdf
*To Test or Not to
Test,
www.alleycat.org/pdf/test.pdf
*AZ Cats,
www.azcats.org/faqs.html#10
*American Association of
Feline Practitioners Testing Guidelines,
www.aafponline.org/pdf/ guidelines_retrovirus_testing_2001.pdf
*Building the Body of
Evidence that TNR Works, Julie Levy, DVM,
www.alleycat.org/pdf/buildingthebody.pdf
*American Feline
Association of Feline Practitioner's Position
Statement,
www.aafponline.org/positionstate.htm
*Interview with
Operation Catnip's Dr. Julie Levy,
www.alleycat.org/pdf/test.pdf
*Overpopulation Kills
More Cats than Any Disease,
www.alleycat.org/pdf/over.pdf
Go to
www.alleycat.org/faqs.html
for "Frequently Asked
Questions" etc.
DECLAWING YOUR CAT
PAWS COME WITH CLAWS -
THAT'S ONE OF NATURE'S LAWS
Many cat owners, who
genuinely love their cats, have no idea what declawing means to
their animals. Declawing means far more than leaving your cat
defenseless against an attack outdoors.
Scratching is a normal
characteristic of a healthy cat. It exercises the foot muscles and
removes dead tissue from the nails. It also has a soothing,
comforting effect that creates a tranquil
disposition.
IT
MEANS:
The severing
of ligaments and tendons that bring pain.
The creating of an
imbalance that can lead to injury.
A change in personality
and temperament.
A cat may go berserk,
bite and growl.
It means you, as the cat
guardian, have renounced the responsibility you assumed when you
fell in love with that kitten or cat.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE A
CAT'S CLAWS?
Dr. Louis J. Camuti, a
practicing veterinarian for 58 years, puts it this way: "I wouldn't
declaw a cat if you paid me $1,000 per nail!"
Have you often wondered
at a cat's remarkable grace and agility, it's faultless sense of
balance?
To a great extent, this
is due to its ingeniously designed retractable claws that allow it
to establish footing for walking, running, springing, climbing or
stretching.
WHAT HAPPENS TO A CAT
WHEN IT IS DECLAWED?
First, it awakens from
anesthesia, with its feet throbbing under the bandages, next, it
has pain and then it finds it has trouble
walking.
The physical effect of
declawing is gradual weakening of the muscles of the legs, shoulder
and back. Balance is impaired. Emotionally cats feel defenceless
and thus live in a constant state of stress, making them more prone
to disease.
Despite its grace, a cat
is not sure-footed. Without the lighting-quick ability to grasp
with its claws, it can easily be injured in a
fall.
Deprived of
its claws, a cat may turn to its only other form of defense- its
teeth. It is fairly common for a declawed cat to become a biter.
They do this out of fear and frustration.
WHY DO PEOPLE MAKE THEIR
ANIMALS SUFFER THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DISORIENTATION OF
DECLAWING?
"To protect the
furniture" is the most common reason.
"To keep my cat from
scratching us when we try to play with him" is another.
What can you as a cat
guardian do to protect yourself and your furniture without harming
your cat?
GIVE YOUR CAT A
MANICURE
It's best to start when
it's a kitten. Take your cat to a professional groomer, or you can
do it yourself. Use a pair of clippers made especially for cats.
Have your vet show you how.
PROVIDE YOUR CAT WITH
HIS OWN FURNITURE
Your cat should be
fluffy-the scratching post should be rough and coarse. Buy a sisal
(a harsh, scratchy hemp product) scratching post or make your own
inexpensively.
TRAIN YOUR CAT
When a kitten starts to
scratch furniture, gently pull it off and place its front paws on
the scratching post. Keep the post in an easily accessible place so
the cat becomes accustomed to using it.
If an older cat persists
in scratching furniture, give it a squirt of lukewarm water from a
child's water gun. Spray it any place but in the face. At the same
time, say a sharp "NO." then take it back to its scratching
post.
Shake a
small amount of pleasantly scented bath oil on a piece of cotton.
Attach the cotton to the part of the furniture that the cat
scratches. It will repel the cat as long as the aroma
remains.
Your cat gives you love
and loyalty. Its the most it can give. You owe it the same love and
loyalty. But you owe it one thing more-to leave its paws with
claws.
SO, IF YOU LOVE YOUR
CAT, DON'T DECLAW IT!
From
EnglandGal@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, September 05, 2004
Subject: ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter - Part 1 - Issue #
09/05/04
WARNING
- HARTZ ADVANCED FLEA AND TICK DROPS
From: Julia Sharp,
juliatat@yahoo.com
Subject: Terrible experience... Please read and spread the
word!!!
Last night at midnight a friend came to the house and told me our
mutual friend was laying in his driveway holding his dog and
crying. He was saying to his dog how sorry he was, that he only
wanted to help him, please don't die. I was told Andy used Hartz
advanced flea and tick drops on Scruffy. I nearly fainted. Andy is
poor, has no phone, limited use of a car. This poor guy has no
family, they are all deceased, and his family is his four dogs.
Scruffy is a 100 pound mixed breed dog with a history of epilepsy.
Scruffy was having flea problems so Andy, not having much money,
bought the Hartz product from K-Mart. He applied the product early
yesterday morning. By 6pm Scruffy was lethargic, staggering,
disoriented. By 8pm Scruffy started seizing. With no phone,living
in a rural area, all Andy could think to do was wash Scruffy with
lots of water. Since Scruffy was seizing, Andy gave him a dose of
pheno barbital, Scruffy's seizure medicine. The seizures slowed
down. Our mutual friend just happened to be close to Andy's around
11pm and decided to check on him and see if he needed anything.
That is when he found Andy and Scruffy in the drive. When he saw
the condition Andy was in, and the problems Scruffy was having, he
decided to come to my house, less than 5 miles away from Andy's
house, and see if I had any info on this product. I told him to go
back and use his cell and page the vet to meet them at the clinic
immediately. I told him this is a potentially deadly product that
needs to be removed from the market. Keep the package and get to
the vets right away. Don't worry about the bill...I told him to
tell Andy that I would deal with Hartz later.
This morning early I went to Andy's and Scruffy was weak, dazed,
slightly shocky and still needing to get to the vet. I was shocked
he wasn't at the vets already. The vet did not answer the late
night page. Our mutual friend had left Andy the cell phone. Andy
had called the vet and a ride. He informed me that his ride would
be there any minute. I wrote down the information from the package,
told him to call me if his ride didn't show. Scruffy is at the vets
now but is still not out of the woods....please say a gentle prayer
for Scruffy....and Andy.
I called Hartz. I told them what happened to Scruffy. They took the
information and gave me a case number for Andy. He told me that
Hartz would pay the vet bill and refund his money for the product
if we provided the information and a vet report. I asked him if he
thought that would make up for a man possibly losing his best
friend. No answer. Then I asked them if Hartz was making so much
money on this product that they continued to market it, knowing
it's deadly potential....IS THE PROFIT WORTH THE COSTS OF PAYING
THE CLAIMS? No answer. I told him that I felt Hartz was marketing
this poison to a lower income group of people and that their
company was banking on consumer ignorance. No answer. I asked him
if paying the claims was cheaper than pulling the
product...again..no answer. I asked this rep what he personally
felt about this product. He told me that he only took the
complaints, he had no answers. I asked him if he liked working for
a company that profited o! n the death of companion animals. No
answer. So I told him that if I worked for any company that
murdered animals that I would quit that employ and make a lot of
noise about it. I told him his personal standards must be very low
or completely lacking. Still no answer. I want answers. I am sure
there are many victims of this product that want answers.. He ended
our conversation asserting that Hartz flea and tick drops are safe
and he THANKED ME FOR USING HARTZ PRODUCTS!!!!!!!! I hung up before
I said something very insulting....then I cried for all the animals
that have died so Hartz could make money.
PLEASE make it a point to tell everyone you know to boycott these
products. Educate everyone about the potential hazards of these
products. And please look in the links below and sign the petition
against Hartz...thanks....Julia
www.hartzvictims.org
WARNING
Collars of woven nylon webmaterial are dangerous
From: JOHNANDEBHANCOCK
Subject: Please let every dog owner you know....Extremely
dangerouscollar!!!
THIS
COULD SAVE YOUR DOGS LIFE!!!
We hope this email may save a life. Unfortunately it is a horrible
lesson we just learned. You may remember the beautiful girl we
rescued out of O.C. shelter. 'Aya'. Aya was out in the back playing
rough with our
other dog unsupervised ..during this play her 'Nylon web collar '
came off. No biggie right DEADLY WRONG!!! As with many young dogs
Aya loves to chew 'everything' and she ate her collar leaving only
the plastic clip,
adjuster, metal ring and license all this happened in less than a
half hour Friday night. Sat am she had only passed a few small
pieces vet said to watch her and all should pass in 24 hrs. Sunday
am she was not doing
well.took her to emergency by noon Sunday she was in
surgery!!!!
Severe blockage in several areas of the small intestines and much
of the collar had unraveled and was trailing throughout her
intestines and stomach . The vet had to remove several sections of
intestine where the nylon fibers had ineffect knotted her
intestine. We lost her at 5am this morning. we
are
crushed
The
way these collars and leashes are woven even 1inch can unravel
to
threads several yards long and the Nylon does not break it just
keeps
unraveling so please forward this on.
We are heartbroken. Jeff & Chika Kritz
In answer to your questions...no We don't have a pic of the collar
for you
or a brand name. This makes no difference,these items are sold by
the 100's
at 'EVERY' pet store in the US. We purchased ours at a local
feed/pet store
in town. Go to a Petsmart or Petco and you will see dozens of
sizes,patterns
and colors on the shelf. A more detailed description: Woven Nylon
Web
material made in many colors and patterns. We have all seen them
and most of
us with dogs have such items. In my opinion it does not matter if
the clasp
or buckle is metal or plastic...that is not what caused our
babys
death.....it was the Nylon webbing coming unraveled in her
digestive tract.
This warning is for "ALL" nylon collars,
muzzles,harnesses,leads,leashes and
like products that when chewed could unravel.
Thanks, Jeff Kritz
TIPS
FOR KEEPING YOUR ALLERGIES UNDER CONTROL
From Krista Mifflin,Your Guide to Dogs - From Animal-Net
forwarded by joe miele
jmmiele@optonline.net
Are you one of the many dog lovers that can't be in the same room
as a dog without degenerating into a sneezing fit? Don't despair!
You are not alone!
dogs.about.com/cs/allergies/a/allergy_help_p.htm
Start now
a.. Visit your Allergist. Many are sympathetic to the pet lover's
plight, and anti-histamine therapy is available for minour
allergies. Immunotherapy allergy shots are also there for the
heavy-hitting allergens. Ask your Allergist about starting a
therapeutic program to get a handle on your
allergies.
a.. Air Filters are essential to any allergic household, regardless
of pets
present or not.
a.. Carpetting should be removed regardless of the impending
presence of pets or not. Carpet is one the biggest allergen
collecting items, and with a pet, that effect is
intensified.
Daily Allergy Controllers
a.. Brushing your dog daily, especially during shedding season, in
a well-ventilated area (preferably outdoors) can minimize the dust
from floating furballs inside the house.
a.. Vacuuming regularly, to catch and remove the afore-mentioned
"floating furballs".
Weekly Maintenaince
a.. Hot water washing of all sheets and bedding that the pet lays
on, even yours, if your bed is his favourite resting place. Note
AAP ironing works prefect
a.. Plain water rinsing of the dog will be the biggest allergen
reducer. Even a dog with little dander will pick up allergens on
his coat. Dust, pollen, and dirt all contribute to the "allergic"
effect of a dog. Use plain water only, as shampoos and conditions
can add to the allergen factor.
a.. Wash the walls and floors of your house in mild dish soap to
remove accumulated dander from the walls.
It's a lot of work, but nobody can deny the effect of a loving pet
on the well-being of his owner. I have found the rewards of having
dogs far outweigh any inconvenience of a cleaning regime, and would
not want them anywhere but by my side, in my house, and under my
feet.
DR.
CARLOS NÉGRIER, VETERINARIAN, SPEAKS OUT...
"In our clinic we often receive animals that are deliberately
poisoned with the intention to kill them.
We know that the same happens in all clinics in the Algarve because
this is a common practice in this part of the country. We think
that this is a cruelty and has to be end. Therefore we would be
glad to be of assistance to all who could help to change this
situation.
We would be pleased to co-operate with all persons, national and
international public organisations to drastically reduce or even
stop this barbaric custom.
It seems to me that it is essential to involve the municipalities,
as they are responsible for the gathering and sheltering of
abandoned dogs, a task they neglect altogether and consequently
contribute to the uncontrolled growth of that
population.
It is important to make the tourist industry aware of its
responsibility, as it is often reported that at some times of the
year in places like golf courses many animals are poisoned to avoid
any "inconvenience" to the tourists. It is also important to
request the G.N.R. and the Police to find and charge the culprits.
Persons and organisations in the field of animal protection should
be called upon to mobilize their contacts to better the
situation.
Once again, we would like to state that we are willing to
co-operate with anyone who can help change this situation radically
in the Algarve and the rest of Portugal."
FALA
O DR. CARLOS NÉGRIER, VETERINÁRIO...
Na nossa Clínica recebemos frequentemente animais que foram
envenenados com o claro propósito de os matar.
Sabemos que o mesmo acontece em todas as clínicas do Algarve, sendo
tal crime prática comum na região.
Cremos que tamanha crueldade deve terminar e portanto colaboraremos
com grande satisfação com seja quem for que possa ajudar a mudar
este estado de coisas.
Gostaria de colaborar com todas as pessoas e entidades nacionais ou
estrangeiras interessadas, para se reduzir drasticamente ou até se
conseguir acabar com esta bárbara prática. Parece-me essencial
envolver as Câmaras Municipais, que têm ultimamente negligenciado a
recolha de canídeos abandonados, cujo número aumentou assim
enormemente.
Importa sensibilizar as indústrias hoteleira e turística, pois em
redor de recursos de lazer como campos de golf aparecem em certas
alturas do ano muitos animais envenenados que assim já não
"incomodam" os turistas.
Seria também importante pedir às diversas polícias que apurassem as
responsabilidades individuais dos autores de tais
crimes.
Convém envolver todos os caridosos com os animais, pois poderiam
sensibilizar os demais quanto à situação.
Finalmente, informo mais uma vez que estamos sempre prontos para
colaborar com quem quer que seja que possa contribuir para alterar
radicalmente esta situação no Algarve como também nas demais
regiões de Portugal.
