Cork Animal Care Society enewsletter
August 2009
Animal Care Society
Charity Reg. CHY14199

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50 Cois Tobair
Dromahane
Co. Cork
+353 (0)21 455 1781
[email protected]
In This Issue
Where There's a Will ...
Trap Neuter Return
Forever Home Feedback
ACS Fun(d)raising
Afternoon Delights
Sponsor The Schnoz!
Cruelty In Cobh
What You Can Do
Road Runners Rescued!
Ford Flourishes
Quick Links
The Cork Animal Care Society
Their Lives ... Our Passion
Living Ain't Easy Summertime 2009 

Summertime at the sanctuaryThe summer months are always busy ones for animal welfare organisations. This year is worse than usual - the economic downturn is a disaster for companion animals, seen by many as another disposable commodity they don't want to afford.

The summer of 2009 is the toughest the ACS has faced. The Mallow shelter is filled with friendly fluffsters looking for forever homes; we've daily call outs from people who couldn't be bothered to neuter their animals, and now expect us to clean up their uncaring contribution to overpopulation and animal suffering; the UK shelters are full and aren't able to rehome for us at the moment; and we have 15 FIV+ felines desperately seeking homes. But no matter what ills prevail, we still have hope at the bottom of our Pandora's box.

This enews, as ever, while we highlight the problems we face, we also highlight the rewards the animals (and ourselves!) gain from our work - and present solutions that, with time and patience, could reduce, if not eliminate, animal suffering in Ireland.

In this issue Zak & Tyrone's story highlights the importance of making a will to ensure our animal companions are cared for after we are gone; we're starting a new series of articles on practical solutions to animal cruelty and overpopulation - this month we focus on Trap Neuter Return (TNR), a practice implemented by the ACS since its foundation; in this issue we're also stressing the importance of reporting animal cruelty to the Gardai, and encouraging them to enforce the few laws we have at our disposal to help our fellow creatures; our new What You Can Do section continues, Rubywith more ways in which you can help the ACS - and animals all over the world; and we have our usual sampling of happy endings - the ACS enews wouldn't be the same without a few of those!!!
 
I do hope you find this ACS enews edifying. And please do send us your comments and feedback - the ACS could do nothing without you, our valued supporters!!!
 
Contact us at:  [email protected]
Where There's a Will There's a Way
Zak delighted to see Tyrone againWe recently teamed up with Jennifer of West Cork Animal Welfare to rescue two large outdoor dogs, Tyrone & Zak, after their human died suddenly. A friend of the deceased had been asked, as a last request, to rehome the dogs and had been left some money for their upkeep - but that friend made little effort on the dogs' behalf (and the money was apparently spent by the time both dogs were rescued). Jennifer heard about the dogs' plight from another, true, friend.
 
When we came to pick up the dogs Zak, a dote, came with us no bother. But Tyrone, his companion, was terrified, hid under the house and would only come out for food when no-one was around. She took several weeks of coaxing, cajoling and care before we could trap her. The 'friend' did feed Tyrone in the trap to get her used to it, but refused to help in any other way (it would have taken less than a week if he had helped, rather than numerous hours of four volunteers' time over a month). And ... he suggested that older dogs, such as these, would be better off being shot, as they would never find a home! We gritted our teeth and remained polite to ensure his continuing, if somewhat limited, cooperation.
 
Reunited at Jennifer's (who had originally homed the dogs five years previously) these guys were delighted to see each other again after their brief separation - Zak bounded round Tyrone, and wouldn't stop licking her! They were rehomed together within a week - and I'm happy dancing that the 'friend' was so wrong!!!
 
The moral of this story will come as no surprise - if you haven't made a will already, make one today. Tomorrow may be too late. Do remember your animal companions when you're making it. And make sure that, in your absence, your friends are truly going to be friends to your animals. Tyrone and Zak were luckier than most.

TNR - A Potential Solution to Feline Overpopulation
Trap Neuter Return (TNR) (aka Trap Neuter Release) is internationally recognized as an efficient and cost-effective tool for controlling and reducing feral cat populations.

The concept is simple: trap the cats, spay or neuter, then return those cats to the colony/area where they were found. As the cats can no longer reproduce, the colony diminishes in size over time. Additionally, by reducing or eliminating mating, the behaviour of unsterilized animals that includes fighting and wandering (looking for mates) is eliminated. TNR not only controls the unchecked growth of unsterilized animals, it improves the health, behaviour and quality of life of all the affected animals. Please remember, every single cat on this Island can trace it roots back to an abandoned domestic cat!

The benefits of TNR include:

  • Smaller feral cat colonies
  • Fewer public nuisance problems TNR
  • Decreased shelter loading
  • Lower animal control costs
  • Improved lives for stray and feral cats.

The Animal Care Society has been practising TNR since its inception and will continue to do so as long as is necessary.

Related Links
Alley Cat Allies Factsheets
Stray Pet Advocacy
Forever Home Feedback 
Sunshine SnoozesYou might remember Sue and Parrot (now Daisy and Bea), rehomed in the UK with the help of Wood Green. Robert, their new human, has sent us loads of updates on them - sooo nice for us to hear - especially as Bea is deaf and it seems like she's found the perfect, loving home. Here's a snippet - with some advice, and some welcome praise to pass on to you, our supporters!:
 
"Daisy's skin has been bothering her. We have found that any sunshine at all affects her badly. Both Daisy and Bea are indoor cats, although we take Bea around the garden wearing her harness. Daisy doesn't want to go out and shows no interest in outdoor life, but loves being inside. She is quite timid compared to Bea. In the Cats Protection latest magazine I saw an advert for a skin protecting jacket for cats and our vet thinks it would be worth a try for Daisy.  Here's the web link. I'll let you know how she gets on and whether we can even get her to wear it. ...

"Please pass this to Albert and all those who help the Animal Care Society of Cork - what you do is amazing and we are immensly grateful that you were able to save these little cats who have already brought us so much."

If we get a photo of Daisy modelling her jacket we'll be sure to include it in the next enews!!!
 
Fundraising News & Events

ACS Fun(d)raising in 2009

Our fundraising calendar is here. Have a peek and you'll see Una & Terry have have a packed programme! And it's never too soon to be thinking about participating!

SEPTEMBER

Calling all ladies - the Cork Women's Mini Marathon takes place on Sunday 27th September. Entry to the race is now open through www.corkminimarathon.com. Please consider participating to raise funds for Cork Animal Care Society. It's a great day out and you'll be helping the animals too! This year, we aim to beat our previous fund-raising record in this event so don't delay - sign up today!

For more information email Una or call her on 086 169 5657. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

OCTOBER

Sun 4th Oct, World Animal Week, CORK ANIMAL CARE WEEK 

For more information on all our fundraising activities please email Una, phone her on 086 169 5657, see our site or log on to the ACS page on mycharity.ie.

Thanks again for all your help and interest!

Afternoon Delights 
The Hostess With The MostestBack in July, Malcolm and Phemie Rose opened their small but beautiful garden to the Public with all proceeds donated to the ACS. This is the third time they've helped the ACS in this way and our gratitude knows no bounds!
 
Part of the West Cork Garden Trail, their amazing two acre terraced garden overlooks beautiful Dunmanus Bay and is planted to take full advantage of the temperate climate of West Cork. There are many 'rooms' in the garden transporting visitors from the cool woodland garden to the hot Mediterranean Garden, with perhaps a stroll through the fernery, the southern hemispere walk and the Sorbus walk en route. Gorgeous sunshine encouraged visitors (though typical Irish bouts of rain probably drove a few away!) and a fabulous day was had by all.
 
Thanks especially go to Peigeen, our feline hostess (pictured above).

Sponsor The Schnoz! 
Jimmy D with his best mate AttilaFeline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) strikes a small percentage of cats. If well cared for they can live a long and happy life. But without care they can end up pretty rough. Here at the ACS we don't try and rehome end-stage FIV cats - we care for them ourselves.

One such cat is Jimmy D (short for Durante). Like his namesake he has a rather large 'schnoz'. This Jimmy owes his large nose to a condition known as Pillow Foot, sometimes related to FIV, which causes the pads of the feet to become soft and mushy - like pillows. Jimmy's nose is also affected - one of his many 'quirks'. But his biggest challenge is FIV itself. While he currently enjoys good health, he does suffer from slight bouts of cystitis and requires a special diet as a result. 

Since his arrival, Jimmy's found a soul mate in Attila the Hun (Remember him? He's still going strong!) and the pair can be found snuggled together, regarding their new comfortable life with a disdain unique to vintage ex-tom cat warriors. 

To sponsor Jimmy D (and/or Attila) visit our Sponsor a Pet page.

What You Can Do

Cruelty In Cobh 
A reward has been offered for information on a gang of thugs who have been trapping and torturing pets. The gang - who are suspected to be operating in the Cobh area of Cork harbour - are believed to be responsible for a series of gruesome attacks over recent weeks on pets, particularly cats. In one case, a cat was crucified and it is also suspected that cats have been savaged to death by fighting dogs.

Evidence that cats are being deliberated targeted came from a numbeReport Crueltyr of felines who managed to make it back to their owners with fractured paws and legs - indicating that an attempt had been made to capture them.

Locals are now being asked to report any suspicious activity to gardai. Cobh pet owners vowed that they will pay a reward to anyone who provides information which leads to the prosecution of gang members. Anyone with information can contact [email protected].
 
Louise Hogan, The Independent
 
Ed's Note: You can also contact officer John Deasy at the Cobh Garda station. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

BW Kitten

Leave the world a better place: Please  consider including the Cork ACS in your Will? We promise you that anything you leave us will go towards caring for the abandoned and neglected animals in our care. It's simple to do - all it requires is a short visit to your solicitor, with your instructions, who will then draft your will for you to sign. For more information on how you can help guarantee our future through a bequest please email Una.  Thank you. 

Why Not ... 
 
Support the Animal Care Society!!!
 
ARAN has designated August 24-30th 2009 as their official week of action against the Irish greyhound racing industry. Find out more here.
 
Sign the WSPCA's petition for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare here
 
And Finally ...

Yippee - Road Runners Rescued! 
 
The Road Runners on arrivalBrendan, aged 13, from West Cork saw two women laughing by the side of the road. As they drove off he saw four gorgeous, long-haired kittens, scared and confused. We can only assume the women were laughing as they left these beautiful animals to their fate. But Brendan didn't see enough to be sure. He and his mum, Bridie, rushed to the rescue, rounded the family up and took them home.

The Road Runners, two ginger and two grey/cream three-month-old kittens, are hurt and confused by their previous humans' lack of responsibility and care. But they're in safe hands now. We've no room at our inn at the moment, so the Road Runners will be staying with Bridget and Brendan till we can find forever homes for them. Ideally we'd home them in pairs so they have company when their humans aren't around.

Dating back to 1911, Ireland's Animal Welfare laws are pretty poor (the new Animal Welfare bill should fix that), but it is illegal to dump animals in this way. We need to report these incidents to the Gardai. And encourage our friends and acquaintances to do the same.

Huge thanks go to Bridie and Brendan for not only caring, but for acting for the benefit of these defenseless animals. Phone Bridie on on 028 31303 (Bantry area, West Cork) or email Brendan if you think you've found a forever home for these beauties.
Ford Flourishes
Ford Flourishes! 
 
I've used too much space already, but I can't resist a quick update on Ford, mentioned in our latest newsletter (which is winging its way towards you as I type).
 
It's been almost two months since we found Ford, curled up, half dead and forgotten in the ditch beside his house after being hit by a car. We are by no means there yet, but Ford continues to surprise us all. After six weeks of syringe feeding, he has reluctantly surrendered his syringe and is now eating by himself! Ford still has puree for food but now wolfs it down all on his own! He's also remembered how to use his litter tray, and has now been consistently keeping himself clean!! He's gonna make it!!!!
 
Ford's story showed us the horrors humans place upon these animals, without a care for their wellbeing - but he's also aroused extraordinary human compassion by his story. Thanks again go to all who have supported him in his recovery. Perhaps there are many lessons to be learned here, if only we could see the world through the eyes of this cat ...

The Cork Animal Care Society, a registered animal welfare charity, would like to thank everyone who has supported our cause in the past. However, we need your continued support to help us improve animal welfare practices in Cork City, County and nationwide! The key to making this happen is a regular source of income. PLEASE help us in one of the following ways:

Bank of Ireland, Wilton, Cork.
Account Name: Animal Care Society Deposit Account
Account No.: 22060688
Sort Code: 90-28-05


Your support saves lives. Be part of something positive!

Contact us today and find out ways in which you can help us end the needless suffering.

Thank You!
 
 
Cork Animal Care Society Team
Their Lives ... Our Passion