THE LAPS STORY

It was an uphill struggle to convince the authorities that they had an animal problem, despite having 300 letters on file from tourists saying that much as they loved the people, the food, the beaches and the sunshine they were not prepared to return to the Algarve because of the suffering of the unwanted animals on the streets.

Bitches from their first season, still themselves puppies, were being mounted by a pack of 20 'Lotharios' and their young subsequently born in storm drains (very often drowned if this happened in the winter months), derelict buildings, rubbish dumps and near to the beach bars which they relied on for food in the summer and which were closed in the winter – leading to starvation.

Thousands of unwanted animals were regularly rounded up by the Department of Waste and destroyed. As nearly every country resorts to this method of eradication of street animals we were hardly in a position to object, but what we did campaign against was their capture by noose (which sometimes resulted in ears nearly being torn from their head and bleeding eyes). They were then put into pounds situated on rubbish dumps to await their final extinction by strychnine, an indescribable cruelty.

Much has changed since then. Pressure was brought to bear by LAPS – poorly run municipal dog pounds were closed down, new accommodation built, proper supervision given, and humane euthanasia instead of killing by strychnine.

After this long, hard, bitter struggle our next biggest contribution was to pioneer an ongoing sterilisation programme which we believe to be the ONLY HUMANE WAY to cut down the number of unwanted animals. The past 20 years have shown an increasing awareness of the benefits of sterilisation amongst Portuguese and foreigners alike.

For 20 years we have tried to prevent the yearly advent of travelling circuses, but much to our deep regret they continue to bring their suffering animals to exhibit in the Algarve, invariably in the hottest months. It seems incredible that animals can still be transported in small inadequate cages for thousands of miles. We would like to convey our thanks to the many people who telephoned in the cruelties they had witnessed and helped to interest international newspapers in their plight.

PARTNERSHIP NEEDED – we really now need a partnership with someone who has experience in animal welfare. By coming into partnership, sharing the existing sanctuary and coming to work for us, you can ensure the survival of LAPS. Contact us if you think this could be you.

LAGOS ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY (LAPS)
Monte Ruivo · Odiaxere · 8600 Lagos · Algarve · Portugal

Telephone Bridget on (00351) 282 687 334

laps@sapo.pt

Charity No. 502774290