Cyprus (an island that helps its stray cats and dogs)
England has millions of stray cats and dogs, despite having well-funded rescue charities. Yet in Cyprus, on very little money, many of the stray dogs and feral cats are looked after very well, either in small rescue centres, or simply ‘overlooked’ by locals who feed and look out for them.
This sunny island (over 300 days of sunshine each year) is also home to a rare type of wild sheep (Cyprus Mouflon) only found here. It’s also illegal to drink (even water) and drive!
Saving Souls Animal Rescue (Cyprus) works with a UK team to find homes for dogs and carry out home checks and adoption procedures before arriving. You can support this sanctuary by recycling empty ink cartridges or playing their lottery (with a £25K jackpot).
Or sign up at easyfundraising, and each time you buy from participating retailers, the charity gets a cut, at no cost to you (does not affect loyalty points).
Tala Cats cares for over 500 rescued cats on a daily basis, using all the running costs to help the feline friends. There are over 1.5 million cats on Cyprus, so there are many feral felines.
St Nicholas of the Cats is a monastery dating back to the 1200s, and is known to care also for cats, the first arriving on a ship hundreds of years ago. With government help, they now and care and feed for several local cats.
Animal Rescue Cyprus cares not just for dogs and cats, but also for other animals including donkeys, goats, horses and rabbits. It also performs education and neutering/spaying, a bit like our RSPCA.
