Edition 98
www.thecourier.es
Friday, January 4, 2013
NOW FOR THE GOOD MEWS!
Glimmer of hope in PAWS despondency DONNA GEE reports
THE seemingly-doomed animal-rescue group PAWS could yet be saved. But spokeswoman Irene Wallace admitted in an exclusive statement to The Courier that at present this is ‘’very unlikely’’ and that there Is ‘‘much despondency’’ among supporters of the group. In an expanded explanation of the organisation’s demise – announced in a press release just before Christmas – Pauline said: ‘’We have been operating under the title of PAWS Animal Rescue, but the crux of the matter is actually a well-planned programme of neutering and health of the feral cat population. ‘’Linda, our dedicated cat catcher, is well known to the local police and residents as the lady who sits beside bushes with her metal handbag (the trap) well into the small hours to trap a specif-
ic female. The animal goes straight to Sonia at St. Anton Veterinary practice. Sonia is a passionate believer in PAWS and gave us special attention. The cat is neutered, checked and ear clipped for identification, then returned to place of origin. ‘’All the cats seriously maimed and deformed by
cancer and feline AIDs have been humanely removed. Very few people without a halo would consent to such testing work conditions especially when sampling the sweet aroma inside Linda's car! All unpaid! “Money has been raised by volunteers largely by sale of donated items on the open forecourt of Banco
Sabadell in all weathers, again, not a job for the faint hearted! Also by direct donation and collection tins. “Cessation of our work has caused us much pain, especially for Linda, because as soon as new cats move in unmonitored, a blink of an eye will see a population explosion, and seven years work ruined.
“Feedback from our original press release has been mostly positive but Linda has also had to endure abusive 'phone calls, one in particular, so loud it was witnessed by most shoppers in a large local supermarket, threatening to sue us. For what? And whom? An animal group with no money or at least nine indi-
viduals who have done no more than held a collective belief in the truth! It is illegal to abuse by 'phone anyway. “At this moment, it is very unlikely that PAWS will be saved. There is much despondency, but we do still have to feed some remaining cats, so time will tell. “San Fulgencio Ayuntamiento La Marina are in full support, suggesting that a full license could be achieved in a matter of months. “We will step back and see what the New Year brings. “As for the new law, originated in Madrid (not a local bylaw), our understanding is that it is intended to ensure that all organisations and individuals purporting to be fundraising must have registration, and will be required to present this for trading or at venues. “If not, heavy fines will be imposed upon both fundraisers and venues.’’