News & Events
REMEMBER HARRY?
We just received this email from our friends at ARAN who, like the ACS, have been tirelessly campaigning for better and more humane animal welfare legislation. An extract of their email follows below, they NEED YOU. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Come along and show that YOU care. An hour or two of YOUR TIME CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE ! Help us to build a world in which there are no more "Harry's".
"The coming days and weeks are vital for most of this legislation, as the Dail are due to close soon ( in the next week) for their recess/summer break. It's vital that we get this legislation discussed and enacted. This is why we desperately need you to set aside just a couple of hours to join caring ARAN supporters for a special, peaceful vigil outside of Government buildings, to remind our leaders that we, the people of Ireland are watching. The lively vigil will be led by a giant 'dog', banners and signs will be provided, so just bring yourself and anyone you can recruit to join you.
The Ward Union deer hunt is a disgusting and cruel practice, which involves chasing a terrified, dehorned deer by a pack of innocent, crazed hounds that chase the deer for miles while they try desperately to run for their lives.
Fur farming is another savage practice , where fur bearing animals such as mink and foxes are caged in smelly, dirty, small, barren cages until they are gassed and finally electrocuted.
MARK YOUR DIARIES NOW AND SET ASIDE JUST A COUPLE OF HOURS, IT'S THE LEAST WE CAN DO FOR THE ANIMALS!
Date: Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Time: 6pm - 9pm sharp (please be sure to arrive, most importantly, for the first hour at least)
Place: Dail Eireann, Kildare Street
Contact: John Carmody 087-2391646"
Website: www.aran.ie
P.S. If we cannot show support for the above vital pieces of legislation, then all of our hard work to achieve this will have been wasted! Hunters and blood sports enthusiasts gathered in Waterford recently with thousands marching to keep their cruel and barbaric sport. You can be sure they will turn out in force in order to keep their miserable forms of 'entertainment'.
Where are the thousands of people for the animals in Ireland? That's why I am asking everyone who cares to make sure they attend this vital vigil for just a couple of hours on Wednesday June 23rd. It's in the evening so we're hoping that people who work during the day, that generally can't make daytime events - will be able to find time for this evening event. We'll never make real change for animals in Ireland if important events such as this are not supported and what's more it's extremely disheartening when just a couple of people attend and yet we see thousands attend pro-hunt rallies. Can we please do our best to change this around?
Missing Cat
Male, neutered, ginger tabby cat. Three years old. Named crunchy. Wearing a black flea collar. He is missing since the 13th of July.
Please Contact: Kate Biggs. Cloyne, Cork
Telephone:
087 6844172
Missing Cat
From Rathcormac. Smokey grey & white Male called Boo.
Missing since Wed 23/06/10.
Much loved family pet. If anyone has seen him, please contact
Rachel on 0876340487
My name is Janet, please help me
My name is Janet. My brother and sister are dead but because of the ACS I am alive. I just came back from Clare Meade, the Vet at the Cat Hospital in Glanmire. The kind ACS lady who took me in says I have a dreadful leg wound, full of puss, and I was riddled with fleas eating me alive, amongst the many other things wrong with me.
I'm now on antibiotics and am being cared for by the ACS. That's my story. I feel alone and sad, my brother and sister weren't so lucky. Please say a prayer for them, they too have souls and deserved to live.
PLEASE ACT NOW
The proposed Dog Breeding Establishment Bill is going through the Dail at this time. Please find below a letter written by John Fitzgerald who tirelessly campaigns for the abolition of blood sports which so damages our reputation in the eyes of the outside world. His letter speaks for itself. PLEASE lend your support to John’s Campaign.
Remember what St. Francis of Assisi said:
“If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men. - St. Francis of Assisi”
PLEASE ACT NOW. Write to your Deputy and add your voice to that of John.
Tell him to watch this:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q33yiORJfXs.
We let the banks “self regulate” while the official Regulator was asleep. Self regulation will not work, and if you do not believe us, why not ask these hares ? Would they prefer “self regulation” or protection in Law ? Finally, remember this: “For evil to triumph, it is only necessary for good men so stay silent.”. Will YOU STAY SILENT ? Will YOU ?, or will YOU ACT ? Read John’s letter here…
UPDATE ON THE STORY OF OUR MISSING CATS
A number of our cats have turned up in the UK, in the hands of a well known cat rescue organisation and the ACS is in contact with them regarding this matter. A number of our cats sadly are still in the hands of the people who caused this dreadful misery in the first place. The cats were removed without our permission from Kitty’s cattery in Kealkil and in the full knowledge and with the full cooperation of the proprietor !
The ACS has given this matter into the hands of its solicitors and has reported this to An Garda Siochana and the Feline Advisory Bureau.
We are deeply disturbed by what has happened and extend our sincerest sympathy to Ms. Anne Fitzgerald, our employee, who because what has happened was on prolonged sick leave, due to the stress caused to her by this matter. Anne, as you will know from the "House of Horror“ story RISKED HER OWN LIFE to rescue two of the cats, (Odo and Sonic) you can read the full story here.
Update
Contrary to our previous postings above our missing cats are still not safely located and back with us. We were given false & misleading information. All efforts by the ACS and our solicitors to reach an amicable solution with the proprietor of Kitty’s Cattery in Kealkil ( Co. Cork) have proved unsuccessful. The solicitors acting for the Cork ACS in this matter have now served a court summons on the proprietor of Kitty’s cattery in order to allow the court to question the proprietor and obtain the full facts regarding the disappearance of our cats. It is interesting to note that the proprietor NEVER ONCE informed the ACS that she had allowed our cats to be removed !
We again URGE all Pet owners to be extremely careful when choosing a place to board their treasured Pets, as this story goes, one cannot be careful enough. Make detailed enquiries BEFORE you give your treasured Pet(s) into the hands of anyone else. Call registered charities and obtain their input BEFORE you select a boarding kennel or cattery. As this story shows, it might avoid an enormous of grief and heartache. For our Cork based readers we can suggest contacting Happy Cats Cattery in Carriadrohid and Kozy cats cattery in Ballydehob. This in addition to the many other good establishments out there which may not be known to us.
Re Dog Breeding Establishments Bill and the Greyhound Industry
Dear Deputy,
Regarding the above matter, we wish to further remind you that the greyhound industry, contrary to misleading propagandistic correspondence being circulated by paid officials of the pro-blood sport lobby, is not animal welfare friendly or even remotely worthy of being trusted to self regulate.
In addition to the recent figures on the numbers of greyhounds put down annually in Ireland, and the appalling cruelty captured on video at the National Coursing Festival in February (the video, made by two foreign students who have since come forward and identified themselves, has been authenticated despite attempts by the ICC to discredit it); we would like to emphasise that blooding of greyhounds on live animals continues to be widespread in the industry.
We ask you to please have a look at a brief excerpt from a film made by respected award winning investigative journalist Donald McIntyre in 1994 in County Tipperary. This shows what happens at a typical greyhound blooding session and serves as a cautionary tale against any attempt to water down the very necessary and reasonable provisions of the proposed Dog Breeding Establishments Bill that is currently proceeding through the Oireachtas.
We are hopeful that Fine Gael in particular will adopt a more humane and responsible position on animal welfare and reverse its support for hare coursing and other unacceptable practises that shame and ultimately damage the greyhound industry.
The Fine Gael Senators and TDs who have savagely attacked the proposed legislation are either unaware of the cruelty and low standards of animal welfare in the greyhound coursing/track racing business, or completely indifferent to it. Either attitude must be a matter of concern to anyone who wishes to eliminate deliberate cruelty to animals from sport.
Here is the excerpt from Donald McIntyre’s expose (now on YouTube for all to see) of practices that are at the heart of this discredited industry.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q33yiORJfXs
Thanking you,
John Fitzgerald
Campaign for the Abolition
Of Cruel Sports
Promoting Animal Welfare
During the last month the ACS was invited by St. John's college and by FOTA Wildlife Parks to participate on their special days. And so we did as the photo's show. Visitors to the ACS stand in St. John's were met by Anne Fitzgerald and Catherine Griffin who proudly flew the ACS Welfare banner and a running slide show pictured a few of the thousands of animals which were rescued since we were founded.
The FOTA day was a huge success too, children to our stand were treated to a little Dogs Trust give away, kindly donated to the ACS by the Dogs Trust and the ACS team was on hand to answer questions on many aspects of animal welfare. The Photo taken at the Fota stand shows from left to right: Nellie from the Ferret and exotic bird sanctuary in Co. Kerry, Anne Fitzgerald, Catherine Griffin, Elisabeth McGroarty, Albert Kleyn,and Katie McGroarty.
For those of you who wondered who designs our beautiful calendar and Christmas cards ? Wonder no more: You are looking at her: our very own Katie McGroarty! Missing from the photo is Silver, Nellie's daughter, who was busy taking the photo! The Cork ACS expresses its sincere appreciation to Principal and Staff of St. John's college and FOTA management and staff for their marvellous support to the Cork ACS on the days. ( Linda. thanks for the endless cups of coffee and Tea, you stole our hearts.) (By the way. in the very left of the photo you can see Paddy Barrett and his wife Eileen who are in charge of the Liscarrol Donkey Sanctuary ! Admission to the Donkey Sanctuary is free so why not go and see all the wonderful rescued guys out there and support their work too).
LUSH COSMETICS BACKS DOG BREEDING BILL
Store Windows Read "Support This Doggie in the Window"
Staff in Dog Masks Petition Customers
Cork – With the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill going through the Dáil and Seanad, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics are using their stores to gather support for the legislation, with “no exemptions for any establishment or special interest group”. The company’s Irish stores will this week feature a window with a picture of a dog and banner reading “Support This Doggie in the Window”, while staff dressed in dog masks will be collecting signatures on a petition to be presented to John Gormley.
When: 12 noon, Thursday 8 April
Where: Lush Cosmetics, 96 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork
Currently there is no legislation in Ireland governing the breeding of dogs, something which has led Ireland to be dubbed the “puppy farming capital of Europe”. This is not an accolade to be proud of, since conditions in many puppy farms have been shown to be dire. Investigations have repeatedly revealed filthy, small enclosures, lack of clean water, dogs living in isolation and semi-darkness, dogs with eye, ear and skin infections and other diseases. The breeding dogs are also forced to produced litter after litter, even when sick, until they are too exhausted to carry on, and then are often killed or discarded.
There is a strong lobby group from the greyhound racing industry and hunting fraternity pressurising Environment Minister John Gormley to exclude them from having to register and have their breeding facilities inspected under the new legislation. Lush are calling for the bill to pass without any exemptions for these facilities, since it is the lack of legislation which has led to widespread abuse and lack of consideration for the animals’ welfare – if these facilities had nothing to hide there would be no reason for them to fear inspections.
“We are proud to support this legislation, which will go some way to addressing the problems caused by puppy farming in Ireland”, said Lush Cork’s manager Karen Garvey “We feel that anyone who is breeding dogs should be subject to the same laws and inspections which safeguard the welfare of animals”.
Lush are a vegetarian company with a long history of campaigning against animal experimentation and a whole range of other animal, environmental and human rights issues. For more information please visit www.lush.co.uk
Notes to editor
* The petition Lush customers are being asked to sign reads:
We the undersigned support a strong Dog Breeding Bill with no exemptions for any establishment or special interest group.
Ireland is known as the ‘Puppy Farm Capital of Europe’. We don’t have the standards in place that are present in other European countries thus ensuring that unscrupulous breeders take full advantage of our lax controls and over-breed animals in disgusting conditions.
The Dog Breeding Bill will regulate the breeding of dogs and if enacted it will ensure the protection of animals and consumers. Well managed, well-maintained dog breeding premises have absolutely nothing to fear from the new proposals.
* Lush Cosmetics, established 15 years ago, has been driven by innovation and its ethics. Creators of pioneering beauty products such as the fizzing bath ballistic, shower jellies and butter creams and solid shampoo bars, Lush places emphasis on fresh ingredients like organic fruits and vegetables. Lush operates a strict policy against animal testing and supports Fair Trade and Community Trade initiatives. Lush leads the cosmetics industry in combating over-packaging by running public awareness campaigns and developing products that can be sold ‘naked’ to the consumer without any packaging. Lush has been awarded the RSPCA Good Business Award for 2006 and 2007 and the PETA Trailblazer Award for Animal Welfare.
ACS RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS.
1st Prize: Ger Burts.
2nd Prize: Brendan Ruby
3rd Prize: Gemma Cotter ( Prize donated back to the ACS)
4th Prize: Deanna Lehane
5th Prize: Elisabeth White
6th Prize: Annette Conran
7th to 13th Prizes: Bill Cusack, S. Smith, Wendy Knott, Joe O’Dwyer, Mary Malone, Jenny Keohane, Sarah Walsh.
The Cork ACS wishes to express its sincere gratitude to all our Raffle participants who bought books of tickets and thus helped to make this such a success. Your participation is directly helping to save lives!
Missing: Tyrone
PLEASE look out for Tyrone, who went missing from Lower O’Connell street in Kinsale. There is a large reward for his safe return.
Please contact Mark or Kirsten directly on 086 382 3363, they miss him dreadfully and he is only 6 months old. Note that he is microchipped.
PLEASE HELP FIND HIM.
Missing tabby cat - Pembroke Wood
Charley went missing from Pembroke Wood on Sunday the 28th of March. She is a 3 year old grey/brown tabby cat. She is completely white underneath except for a bit of colour above her chest. Her nose is unusual it is black brown and pink and she is brown directly under her mouth and to the right of her nose. She is a lovely cat and is sorely missed. She wasn’t wearing her collar but she is micro-chipped.
I would appreciate it if anyone with any information of her whereabouts could contact me on 087 2801077.
LOST CAt GLASHEEN/MAGAZINE ROAD/BENDEMEER PARK - 24th February 2010
Our cat has gone missing from Lima Lawn in Glasheen on Wednesday the 24th february.
He is a male shorthair, neutered, ginger/marmalade coloured cat with tabby markings. He is medium sized and a heavy build. He has amber coloured eyes.
He is very much loved and at this stage we are very worried about him as he has never been away from us for more then a day. We would be so grateful to hear if anyone has seen him or found him.
Anyone with information please contact Claire on 085 7328403 or Aisling on 087 9384227
Winter
This is Winter. I met her only the day before this picture was taken. She is a stunner, the most affectionate and gentle girl. Not very old either, maybe 2-3 years. Winter is a farm cat, she along with five others where part of a TNR job this week. When I spoke to the person arranging my visit, I was told one of the cats had 'A bad ear' , and that he was thinking of putting her down with a shovel'. I told him I would have a look and see.
So I arrived and immediately you could pick her out of the crowd. She had the worst case of ear cancer I have ever seen. My inital impression was that these were semi-feral cats, they couldn't be handled or caught so that to a degree would explain why this cat had never seen a vet. However upon closer observation she was very docile and easy to handle. This animal could have been taken to see a vet at anytime but instead she had simply been left. Left with that ear to fester.
Winter was taken to a vet early the next morning and I expressed my concern for her mangled head. The smell alone was clear indication that serious infection had set in. The vet assured me he would see what could be done for her so I waited for his call.
It was not good news. After initally cleaning the ear, or what remained of it, it became clear the cancer had spread. It had gotten into her bones and possibly other organs. There was nothing else to do, except end her suffering. That poor girl. What a life to lead. How anyone could what that happen, in front of your eyes over months? I don't understand. I often vocalise my dislike for the way many farmers treat their cats and dogs and this is why. Granted there are many decent farm owners who treat there companion animals with respect but so many more do not. Winter is witness and victim of the indifference of mankind. How tragic that for her, help came too late.
The Cork ACS wishes to pay Tribute to Jennifer who wrote the story of Winter and her tragic death, which could have been entirely avoided. Yes, she might have been put down " with a shovel", after all it would have saved a bullet, or God Forbid, a trip to the Vet to give her a Humane end. Her story is by no means unique, thousands upon thousands of farm cats will suffer a similar fate this year. Perhaps you wonder why we need so many animal welfare and rescue groups in Ireland ? Well, does this answer your question ? Can you begin to imagine her death, with a shovel and the agony ? Can you really ? These cats are " Ratters and Mousers" and that is all they are good for. Companionship ? Are you kidding ? From a cat ??? Are you crazy ? To Jennifer we say this: WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, more than words can ever express. Winters Life was Your Passion and when she needed you most YOU Jennifer DID NOT FAIL HER.
ACS RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS.
1st Prize: Ger Burts.
2nd Prize: Brendan Ruby
3rd Prize: Gemma Cotter ( Prize donated back to the ACS)
4th Prize: Deanna Lehane
5th Prize: Elisabeth White
6th Prize: Annette Conran
7th to 13th Prizes: Bill Cusack, S. Smith, Wendy Knott, Joe O’Dwyer, Mary Malone, Jenny Keohane, Sarah Walsh.
The Cork ACS wishes to express its sincere gratitude to all our Raffle participants who bought books of tickets and thus helped to make this such a success. Your participation is directly helping to save lives!
LOST - in Carrigaline area
Small Female Westhighland Terrier loved family pet
Missing since Thursday 10th December from Rock Road / Church Road area.
Any sighting or information, please contact Ruth on 087 2665852
Lost Cat
This lovely young cat was found near the cinema complex in Blackpool, Cork.
Please contact the ACS if you are the owner.
Hope?
 
The following news has just reached us. We are almost afraid to believe it and are looking for official confirmation:
In the new upcoming Irish animal welfare bill it has been agreed that:
Provisions of the legislation will be a commitment to:
- Adopt the principles and 5 freedoms set out in the recent Scottish Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, particularly in relation to cruelty and neglect, to ensure that the welfare of animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly,
- Replace the culling of badgers with more effective and humane methods of control
- Phase-out fur farming over three years
- End stag hunting
The ACS, in common with many other reputable animal welfare groups, has tirelessly campaigned since the day of its formation for better and more appropriate animal welfare legislation to replace the hopelessly outdated 1911 Protection of Animals Act. ( Yes, you read that right: Nineteen Eleven, 1911 ! ) If this news is true and we do get these steps enscrined in enforcable legislation a huge step forward for our animals will have been achieved.
The publication and implementation of the new Act cannot come soon enough. Welfare Groups country wide are desperately struggling with overload, lack of funds and are fighting hourly and daily battles to save as many lives as they can. But, without proper enforcable legislation all of us are virtually powerless to effect the desperately needed changes we need, or more appropriately, the animals need, so that their lives can be adequately protected. Perhaps the new legislation will help us to put a stop to this saying: Dog ? Man's best friend. Man ? Dog's worst enemy. We will keep you informd on any developements that reach us.
MISSING PAPILLION
Oscar - Brown & White Papillion. Missing from Guarrane North Donoughmore since Friday September 18th.
Please call Dolores - 087 2563749 OR 087 9640833 if found. He has a name tag with Oscar on it.
MISSING
Our beloved family pet. Missing from the Sunvalley drive area in Cork City. Reward for her return.
Please Call 021-4551781 if you have seen her.
PLEASE help find Oscar
This is Oscar, who has been missing from his home in Old Youghal Road, Nr, Dillons Cross, Cork, for over two weeks. He is a very much loved pet and his owner is distraught. Oscar is a male, Grey and black stripped with white front and paws. He was wearing a red collar and bell but that might have come off.
If you see or have news of him PLEASE ring the ACS 021-4551781 or Helen on 087 680 2592. There is a reward for his safe return.
LOST, can you help ?
If you are in or near the Fermoy area PLEASE keep a look out for Jake ?
His description:
Over 1yr old neutered male cat. Black with tiny white patch on chest. Tail is long haired with grey running through it. He was wearing a silver/grey reflective collar with blue medal. He wouldn't willingly approach strangers. Lost in the Fermoy area. Jake is a very much beloved pet and owners are truly distraught.
Please call Patricia. (086-2665838) with any information
 
And down the road we go (again)
Welcome back on board said Oxana, the duty purser, as we once more arrived on board of the Isle Of Inishmore, bound for Pembroke in Wales from Roslare. The Irish Ferries “Isle of Inishmore” is a home away from home for us, and Irish Ferries deserves a huge tribute for their help to the ACS. 22 cats and kittens were safely accommodated in our ambulance and 3 of them were only 2 weeks old, small little waives, in care of Anne ( see her on the “About us page” ). Time and time again we have to appeal to our UK friends, there are simply not enough homes here for us to cope with the demands placed on us. After driving all night ( the ferry arrives at 01:10 ) we reached our destination and were warmly greeted by Jackie.
Within 1.5 hours the cats were safely settled into their new quarters and our ambulance once more traversed the roads, back to Pembroke and on to Roslare. 37 hours after leaving our very tired driver turned the ignition key to OFF. For those cats and kittens, once more we proved what we live by: Their Lives...Our Passion. We would not want it any other way.
Now Is Your Chance !!!
Continued from our HOME Page
You'll find more details below, and an example of a suggested letter / email.
- The full declaration (the Written Declaration pursuant to Rule 116 of the Rules of Procedure by Alain Hutchinson, David Hammerstein and Neil Parish on the welfare of pets and stray animals) can be found by clicking here.
- The contact details and addresses for Ireland's MEP's are here – simply click on the link for your region. You can mail to their home address or direct to Brussels.
- The correspondence will have more clout if you include your own wording. However, we've included a sample letter/email below.
- Please consider doing a real old fashioned letter, they carry more weight than an email, and only take a few minutes more. Consider copying it to your own local TD and ask him to put pressure on your MEP. The postal address to sent your letter to is:
<Your MEP's name>
European Parliament
Rue Wiertz
ASP 08F343
BE-1047 Brussels
BELGIUM.
The European Parliament will decide about animal welfare in Europe in May 2009. Delaying this action appeal till Next week, next month, whenever, will cost lives. Please do this TODAY.
Sample letter, or email
Dear <insert name of your MEP here >
<today's date>
I live in <insert region here> and am concerned about the weak animal welfare and rights legislation in Ireland. I fully endorse the written declaration made by Alain Hutchinson, David Hammerstein, and Neil Parish on the welfare of pets and stray animals. Declaration number DC\764325EN.doc PE419.586v01-00
As my elected MEP I request that you please vote in favour of it.
Thank you.
<insert your name & address here>
|
Bread and Water "Welfare" ? ! !
Hello, you’re the ACS people? Listen, I have a lot of cats here and I don’t want them anymore. It’s the type of call we dread. Where are we supposed to go with them ? Good homes ? Are you kidding ? For 30 cats ? Impossible to come by in large numbers. A lot of cats can mean anything. Anything between 5 and 50. Our welfare officer took note of the name and address and said she would visit to see the situation.
The call came late: Hello, you're the ACS people? Listen, I have a lot of cats here and I don't want them anymore. It's the type of call we dread. Where are we supposed t go with them ? Good homes ? Very hard to come by in large numbers. A lot of cats can mean anything. Anything between 5 and 50. Our welfare officer took note of the name and address and said she would visit to see the situation. In these cases we often find that people give us a lower number of cats than there actually are, and this turned out to be exactly the case here. 10 became 20, 20 became 30. Our welfare officer made it clear to the person that even though we would try to help, the caller would be responsible for the cost, of having the cats seen by our vets and any treatment or testing needed. To our great surprise, agreement was given !
On inspection it transpired that the poor cats had only ever been fed on BREAD AND WATER !!, that they were interbred and some in a very poor condition. These older people did not realise the vital importance of spaying and neutering and the fact that cats need meat and cannot survive on bread and water. Over the period of a week our welfare officer managed to get all the cats and each and everyone went to our Vet. Sadly, in one case our officer was too late and in other cases the vet recommend euthanasia since the cats were in too poor a condition to be saved and it was the only humane thing to do. Taking in that many cats entails a huge risk, you do not know what illnesses they might suffer from and as it turned out, several of them had Feline Aids. (FIV). In desperation and to isolate the new cats from our other sanctuary cats we pressed the ACS ambulance into use, not ideal, but it has heat and light and the cats can be handled and treated on our site.
Due to our excellent connections with a premier UK based rescue organisation we got the agreement that they would take all cats which had not tested positive for Aids and/or Leukemia. So, last week our ambulance travelled the 1100+ miles journey. INSPITE OF THE DREADFULL WEATHER, our volunteers made the trip over this huge distance, roads covered in ice and snow. 6 cats were left behind at our sanctuary. They tested positive for Feline Aids and could not go. But.. they now have a heated shed, warm beds, and the best of food. But above all: THEY are LOVED. For the first time in their lives, they know what human compassion and kindness can do. I, as chairman of the ACS pay tribute: Tribute to Sara, Karen and Muriel and all our other helpers. These women embody all that the ACS stands for: Their Lives.Our Passion.
A very very special Thank You to our Friends at Wood Green Animal Sanctuaries in the UK. Without their help this story would not have had this happy ending. PLEASE visit their website at: www.woodgreen.org.uk and support their work. By doing so, you are helping them and us and thus help both the cats and dogs who need our joined help so very badly. Thank You.
In Memoriam: Baby Loki
Not all the animals we rescue live to be rehomed. Some fight valiantly for life, others simply fade away. All we can do is remember them, tell their stories and hope to whatever gods are out there, if any, that humanity can learn to be humane; can learn to care for and respect all the living things we share this amazing miracle of a planet with.
Baby Loki was the youngest in a tiny litter of four, and the tiniest kitten of all. Sharing the tabby markings common in the group he had a distinctivelly attractive smattering of ginger. He shared his sisters' gently affectionate natures. With his wide eyes and unfailing attention he pulled everyone's heartstrings.
But he didn't thrive. While the other kittens were going from strength to strength, growing in size and boldness, Little Loki remained tiny, placid and insubstantial; a small bundle of beautiful, tender skin and bones and fur. No sniffles, no obvious illness, just a slow fading away. There was nothing we could do for him and Loki died on the vets examination table on Friday 11th July 2008.
It's possible that, even with a healthy start in life, Loki would have died. It's just as, if not more, likely that any or all of the animal rights abuses that are endemic here contributed: the casual cruelty, the inbreeding that results from human guardians' indifference to neutering, the lack of care, the unhealthy diet ...
Like all kittens, Loki was special. Like all the kittens we've been unable to save, he will be sorely missed and remembered with great affection.
His story, and that of his family, is here in full.
Any "Humans" out there ?
Just when you think it can't get any worse you find out that you're wrong. This dog was hit by car and suffered severe injuries. The first call to the Garda was placed at 3pm on Sunday. More than 24 hrs later (!) the dog was still lying there and in that time many people simply walked past him. The ACS received a call for help on this dog late in the night the FOLLOWING day and within two hours the dog was at the nearest veterinary surgery.
With a Broken pelvis, collapsed lung, several open wounds and totally dehydrated, he was immediately put on a drip and stabilised so that X'rays and proper treatment could be decided upon. The truly appalling thing is that people simply walked by this dog and left him there in all his pain and agony. This is a sweet and gentle Dog, who would not have bitten a rescuer, even though he must have been in dreadful pain. He is now safe but God only knows what he must think about us "humans". As Mahatma Ghandi said: "The moral progress of a nation can be judged by the way it treats it's animals". If that's the case, we in Ireland have a long long way to go.
Make it Christmas All Year Round
It has already started. Christmas is barely behind us and the dumping season is taking its place. See our advert which sums it up in one sentence:
PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE.
That Dog/Cat/Puppy or Kitten became a member of your family when given. Please honor your responsibilities !
Maxi-Zoo Comes Thru !
As a result of the fantastic support given by the many customers of the Maxi Zoo Pet store in Midleton, the Cork ACS has benefited directly. From proceeds raised during world animal week in October, Maxi Zoo donated the sum of €540.77 to the ACS as a result of their customers generosity. The ACS wishes to say a big thank you to Customers, Staff and Management of Maxi Zoo, the One Stop Shop for all your Pet needs. The photo shows the handover of the cheque to ACS volunteer Elisabeth Long. As our winter Maxi Zoo staff, on request of the ACS, drew the winner of the ACS winter 2008 raffle
The lucky winners of the ACS Winter 2008 Raffle are:
1st Prize: Mrs. Noreen Creedon
2nd Prize: Ms. Mary O’Flynn
3rd Prize: Ms. Caroline Crittenden
4th Price: Mrs. Joyce Woods
5th Prize: Mr. Stamper Cusak
All the winners have been contacted and informed of their wins. The ACS wishes to express its gratitude to all who participated in our raffle and made it such a success.
ACS Education Programme 2009/2010
There's no question that education is a key factor in improving the animal welfare situation in our country. To meet the challenge we've a new, inspiring symbol of animal care "Mr James the Finger Puppet", and he'll be touring schools all over Cork City and County throughout the new year. He'll be educating students on responsible pet ownership, interacting with animals and caring for them. And, alongside our ACS educators, he'll be answering all kids' questions and increasing their awareness of what we do and why we need to do it. Ultimately, such education will reduce (and maybe even eliminate!) the need for the existence of organisations like the ACS.
We earnestly believe people can learn the importance of caring for our animal companions; and understand that they are not a disposable commodity - not 'Just for Christmas'. If you are a teacher, a principal or a student and would like your school to be part of this inspiring educational programme, please contact us on info@animalcaresociety.ie. Or order your own Mr James thru our Animal Care Week promotion - see below.
Education is the long-term bottom line in promoting animal welfare. By conducting an ongoing successful education programme we are actively working to reduce animal cruelty in the future, while minimising it today.
I rescued a human today!
I rescued a human today.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering
apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.
I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I
had in the back of my cage.
I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.
Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to
think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past.
I only have the future to look forward to and want to make
a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort
her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instan
tly
jumped into her arms.
I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and
sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved.
At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
The ACS expresses its gratitude to Ms. Janine Allen for her permission to show her poem on our website.
ARE WE ACTIVE ? YOU BET WE ARE !
Does this look familiar ? 40 of these posters could be found all over Cork city and some in the county. Their message ? Pretty clear we think. SPAY/NEUTER your Pet(s). At the same time we ran the add you see below in the Irish Examiner newspaper. The text speaks for itself.
Officially, 14598 dogs were killed in Ireland.
Officially. Unofficially ? Probably double that number. The official number only counts the pound kill numbers. The ones drowned, thrown out in the woods, over the edge of a cliff, or given to vet for euthanasia ( the "lucky" ones ) are NOT included. For cats ? This is Ireland, " We don't do cats ". No official figures have to be recorded but you can take it from us, that number is way higher still. Just read the article on this page: "And you thought Animal Welfare was easy?" Very few organisations are active in cat welfare, it is extremely costly, emotionally and soul destroying and you will always be overloaded. But Their Lives too are.Our Passion.
Are we active ? Yes, we are. Proof is before your very eyes. Need more convincing ? Click here: www.anvilireland.ie
Desperate Times ? Desperate Measures !
Full is full ? Yes, there was no more room at the "Inn" So, in desperation we had to go the final mile.
As the photos show we rented a Porta Cabin which had to be lifted and lowered by crane so that we could provide the desperately needed bit of extra space we wanted to save those kitten lives.
We had no choice, call after call begging or pleading or threatening: "I will make these kittens Join the Navy", if YOU don't take them. Pure blackmail? Yes ! And now even that no longer works, we are full and even our new temp unit is in full use.
We need to find another 140 Euro per month now, these units do not come cheap, but what price a life ? What price to not "Join the Navy"?
Please help us, if you have a few Euro which isn't spoken for, click on our donate on-line link and help us. You can see with your own eyes where you money goes. Will you please help us ?
Teaching Pet owners of the future
Yes, you are looking at the Pet owners of the future. This photo was taken in the Douglas Court library, one of the many the Cork ACS visited during the Cork Libraries summer activity program. The ACS participated on request of the Cork City Library Executive in their program by means of a series of interactive talks with the children. The enthusiasm of the kids was unbelievable and it is a true understatement to say that the kids were spellbound.
With help of the superb materials provided to us by the Dogs Trust the kids were able to go home with toys and booklets to recall with they had learned during the talk. The Cork ACS wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the staff in the libraries we visited, we were made so very welcome and they could not do enough for us. A special Thank You to the parents and the children too, all of you helped to make this a success and give hope for the future of all animals in our country.
Pet Expo 2008
As you can see the Cork Animal Care Society was flying the flag at the first ever Munster Pet Expo. Our stand at the Mallow racecourse attracted a huge amount of interest, sometimes people were standing three deep to talk to us and hear about our work for the abandoned and stray animals in Cork. Shown here are just a few photo's of the audience and the stand. Our now famous Tshirt with its slogan: Have your best friend neutered certainly made people take notice. One of the photo's shows Sara, our cattery manager, with a little kitten which a passerby had found in a nearby hotel car park and handed in to us, right at the stand.
Fortunately, our ACS Animal Ambulance was onsite and food and treatment for sore eyes was at hand to deal with the little waif. Also shown is Mrs. Brenda Comerford from the Dogs Trust in Dublin, wearing her yellow DT Tshirt, flanked by Sara and Hazel from the ACS. To all who dropped by and said hello to our crew we express our thanks. Your support was wonderful.
*Urgent* Animal Lovers please take note *Urgent*
A resume of the new draft animal welfare bill is now available on the department of agriculture website. See http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animal_health/AHWBill_PublicConsultationPaper280508.doc
The department have given YOU the public a short six (6) week window to provide comments on the most important animal welfare legislation change in nearly a century ! But, you are not shown the actual draft bill itself, instead you are given a resume which makes meaningful comments impossible since you do not and cannot know what wording is used in the actual bill which can run to a large amount of pages.
PLEASE tell the department that you as a the public have a right to see the whole bill, not a small sanitised version. You might also want to consider that a 6 week window for comments is a hopelessly short period to study the MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE IN ANIMAL WELFARE LEGISLATION IN ALMOST A CENTURY. PLEASE DO YOUR BIT, we will have to live with the implementation of this bill for a long time to come.
Important information for all our supporters & visitors with an interest in cat welfare
Please take a moment to click on the following link:
Consultation on the Draft Cat Welfare Code of Practice
This will take you to a new consultation paper issued by the Scottish Government. It considers draft legislation on the subject of cat welfare. It is well written and we urge you to have a look at this document. Furthermore, if you feel passionate about the subject of cat welfare, and we hope you do, we urge you to drop a line to Minister Mary Coughlan at the department of agriculture, her email is: minister@agriculture.gov.ie.
Please urge her to have her officials adopt a similar approach to cat welfare here in Ireland. Please do this, those few minutes of your time might in the long run save a huge amount of suffering and misery.
Look at the photo & tell us you do not care
This poor cat was caught in the trap shown here. The pain, agony and suffering defies imagination. These traps do not kill, they MAIM. Imagine having your hand in one of those, with the steel slicing thru your wrist. A brave brave passerby was able to get her hands on this poor cat and was able to get him to a vet where we met her.. Scenes like this are the cause that our volunteers have sleepless nights, sleepless nights because of human carelessness and indifference. Plenty people walked by this suffering animal and did nothing, Exactly Nothing. As Irishman George Bernard Shaw said: "Our worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them but to be indifferent to them, that is the essence of inhumanity".
Please support the Cork ACS, we campaign, we educate, we rescue, we treat. But we need you on our side. Will you be there for us, like we were there for him?
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