DEVASTATING EPIDEMIC HITS KAR - KAR IN LOCKDOWN

[Keithcaley]

RR, my post , as I clearly indicated, was in direct response to your question

...Is anyone able to confirm that it has not appeared in the South?...

I quoted an official source in the South, and gave a verifiable reference for that source.

I have no inside knowledge of the reasoning behind KAR's current policy, and am thus unable to comment upon it.

[tomsteel]

No one really wants large long term kennels as a solution to the excess dog and cat population . However with over 350 dogs and new arrivals each week the solution is never simple.

Education has to be the way forward and encouraging responsible ownership to stop the animals reproducing is the only real solution. KAR are constantly working to educate but this inevitably a long term project. To find homes for the dogs is not straightforward. Some of the dogs are not healthy enough or have behavioural issues. Other dogs are institutionalised and could not adapt outside of the kennel environment. Also when people look at the dogs, puppies are popular and some breeds are also in greater demand. Therefore some dogs would remain in kennels destined to be lifers, but they are safe.. So then we have the dogs who are suitable for rehoming.....from these I am not convinced KAR funds can run to supporting people who take on a dog. So what sort of support are KAR expected to provide? When someone takes on a dog they must understand all that goes with it which will include the basics of food, water, training, walks plus the inevitable vets bills which will follow. Again it’s about understanding and education.

With new arrivals every week it’s difficult to see the numbers in kennels reducing. Those are the facts and whilst we would all like to see the dogs adopted and find new homes realistically that isn’t going to happen.

I regret to

Having volunteered at KAR we understand the daily pressure they are under and every day is a struggle. Solutions which may appear simple are often not that easy to implement. The dogs who do end up at the kennels are fed, watered, looked after and are safe. Whilst it is not ideal, rescuing the dogs and giving them shelter has to be applauded as the alternative is leaving them to there fate.

There is no simple solution but KAR continue to try and do there very best. In my opinion EDUCATION has to be the way forward but the acceptance has to be that this will take time.

###

I regret that yet again you have failed to read my post properly and missed the point. I am not saying that there will never be some dogs that cannot be rehomed : but one of my dogs came from a pound (not KAR) and she turned into the most beautiful loving and healthy (touch wood)animal and an ideal companion for a lonely person. I believe there are many more like her, if only there was the will to help home them. What is needed is a rethink of priorities by KAR and their supporters. They are not the only ones who suffer toel hp animals and they could use their resources to influence Government and Vets into seeing that so many animal carers, who do not have their support and public admiration, get a fair share. I agree that education is a vital part but you overlook the number of individuals who are already responsibly caring for animals, not to mention those who run small private "pounds" for multiple animals at their own expense. Neutering is also a way forward, but you and KAR forget that every private owner who neuters an animal - often at the cost of necessiites for themselves - saves KAR from having to home dozens of puppies.

Giving more animals, particularly dogs who need human companionship , into responsible private ownership will not be easy and will take time and dedication but it would be well worthwhile

However I am going to go into more detail of this on a new thread when hopefully my own problems are settled, and I have more time.
You could help please , Posh , because (as sometimes happens) it will need to appear under two categories. I s there any way of doing this

Sadly RR, successive TRNC Governments have afforded feral animals here with zero priority, few resources or meaningful legislation. Well-intentioned expat views, forums or opinions will NOT change this. There is a Mediterranean culture on animals as I experienced on several tours of countries in the area whilst serving in HM Forces. It is certainly not just a TRNC issue, albeit I concede that regarding animal welfare, it is the crocodile closest to the canoe here.

[PoshinDevon]

No one really wants large long term kennels as a solution to the excess dog and cat population . However with over 350 dogs and new arrivals each week the solution is never simple.

Education has to be the way forward and encouraging responsible ownership to stop the animals reproducing is the only real solution. KAR are constantly working to educate but this inevitably a long term project. To find homes for the dogs is not straightforward. Some of the dogs are not healthy enough or have behavioural issues. Other dogs are institutionalised and could not adapt outside of the kennel environment. Also when people look at the dogs, puppies are popular and some breeds are also in greater demand. Therefore some dogs would remain in kennels destined to be lifers, but they are safe.. So then we have the dogs who are suitable for rehoming.....from these I am not convinced KAR funds can run to supporting people who take on a dog. So what sort of support are KAR expected to provide? When someone takes on a dog they must understand all that goes with it which will include the basics of food, water, training, walks plus the inevitable vets bills which will follow. Again it’s about understanding and education.

With new arrivals every week it’s difficult to see the numbers in kennels reducing. Those are the facts and whilst we would all like to see the dogs adopted and find new homes realistically that isn’t going to happen.

I regret to

Having volunteered at KAR we understand the daily pressure they are under and every day is a struggle. Solutions which may appear simple are often not that easy to implement. The dogs who do end up at the kennels are fed, watered, looked after and are safe. Whilst it is not ideal, rescuing the dogs and giving them shelter has to be applauded as the alternative is leaving them to there fate.

There is no simple solution but KAR continue to try and do there very best. In my opinion EDUCATION has to be the way forward but the acceptance has to be that this will take time.

###

I regret that yet again you have failed to read my post properly and missed the point. I am not saying that there will never be some dogs that cannot be rehomed : but one of my dogs came from a pound (not KAR) and she turned into the most beautiful loving and healthy (touch wood)animal and an ideal companion for a lonely person. I believe there are many more like her, if only there was the will to help home them. What is needed is a rethink of priorities by KAR and their supporters. They are not the only ones who suffer toel hp animals and they could use their resources to influence Government and Vets into seeing that so many animal carers, who do not have their support and public admiration, get a fair share. I agree that education is a vital part but you overlook the number of individuals who are already responsibly caring for animals, not to mention those who run small private "pounds" for multiple animals at their own expense. Neutering is also a way forward, but you and KAR forget that every private owner who neuters an animal - often at the cost of necessiites for themselves - saves KAR from having to home dozens of puppies.

Giving more animals, particularly dogs who need human companionship , into responsible private ownership will not be easy and will take time and dedication but it would be well worthwhile

However I am going to go into more detail of this on a new thread when hopefully my own problems are settled, and I have more time.
You could help please , Posh , because (as sometimes happens) it will need to appear under two categories. I s there any way of doing this

Don’t think I have failed to read your post, for me I don’t believe you have explained yourself clearly hence raising plenty of questions.

Firstly dogs cannot be rehomed unless there are the people who want a dog, go to the kennels and understand the commitment they need to make. I am very confident; having experienced it first hand, that anyone who really wanted to rehome a dog who went to the kennels and explained their circumstances would receive good advice about which animal would be most suitable for them. That could be a puppy, an active dog needing plenty of exercise, large dogs, small dogs or a dog who would as you say be ideal for a person on their own. It isn’t in KARs interest to ignore individual requirements because if they did the dog would at best be returned as unsuitable or at worst just thrown back onto the streets and so the cycle continues.

As for using there resources, can you confirm what resources you are thinking of? KAR are constantly lobbying to ensure a better life for animals who have been discarded......working with schools, vets and government organisations. Some however are more receptive than others. If you are referring to money, I don’t believe that funds are available to be pumped into campaigns that would see little return for the investment and detract from providing care for the dogs.

Not sure what you are asking KAR to do re neutering. Are you suggesting that KAR pay the new owner to enable this to be done? Should KAR get the animal neutered before the new owner takes responsibility? Should KAR pay ongoing vet fees? Should KAR just pay for annual injections or should they cover every eventuality? Seems this could be an administrative nightmare and potentially cause more disagreement or argument. I have no idea whether any of this would be possible and don’t believe KAR are so cash rich as a charity to cover the cost.

However; for me, it goes back to understanding the commitment and all that is involved in owning a dog. There is an emotional and financial cost involved and if you are unwilling to take this on or cannot afford the costs then serious consideration should be given as the whether a dog is indeed the right pet for you. I am not sure KAR should have to incur ongoing additional costs once someone takes responsibility for an animal. I think I have read somewhere that KAR do offer a foster arrangement where certain costs are covered. Perphaps someone could find more detail on this.

There is really no simple answer and it is sometimes disappointing to read posts from some who have little understanding of the time, effort and sheer hard work that is required every day to ensure the dogs are cared for.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

What is needed is a rethink of priorities by KAR and their supporters. They are not the only ones who suffer toel hp animals and they could use their resources to influence Government and Vets into seeing that so many animal carers, who do not have their support and public admiration, get a fair share.

What resources? We are not talking a charity that is a cynical money making business like Guide Dogs for the Blind sinking millions into their £300 million reserve. This is a charity living hand to mouth and lobbying a government who don't seem to be bothered about the dogs, will be a waste of money they don't have.

There has been a lot of Monday morning quarter backing over this tragedy, criticism over KARs quarantine etc. I'm sure KAR could have contained the outbreak with a large state of the art quarantine centre with air locks and the like but they can't run to that and have done their best.
I think they do a fantastic job and bless them for their work.

[Ragged Robin]

This KAR can do no wrong attitude appals me! I could prove evidence of lackof care for humans , but this is not the place or time. In fact I have not criticised them, merely asked questions -as a responsible dog owner and one time contributor - and made suggestions.

As for anyone who cannot afford, or does not have the rescources, to care for a dog. I regret that I consider this attitude inhuman and selfish in the highest degree. There are people who could give a dog a good home , but cannot afford the increasing costs of vets in particular,

However it is not helpful to the present crisis to continue detailed argument here. If someone wouldhelp me post on two boards, I will explain my suggestions in more detail so that hopefully even Posh can understand them.

Enjoying the sun has obviously, unlike me, has not helped a blind friend with her guide dog - and seen just how a well trained dog can make a difference to the lives of disabled people and just how wonderful these dogs are.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

Enjoying the sun has obviously, unlike me, has not helped a blind friend with her guide dog - and seen just how a well trained dog can make a difference to the lives of disabled people and just how wonderful these dogs are.

My problem with Guide Dogs for the Blind is how much of the charity money given to the blind they hoover up in proportion to the amount of blind people they actually assist.
Around 360,000 people are registered as blind or partially sighted.
Of those less than 5,000 have a guide dog.
They pull in around £100 million a year and have around £300 million in reserves and have been criticised in the past for raising money they don't need.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/inqu ... 43347.html

Yes they are wonderful dogs, labs usually are and I am all for helping the blind and in marketing they could teach Apple a thing or two.

I am toying with starting a new charity, fluffy kittens for the deaf, it could be huge.

[PoshinDevon]

RR - one thing we do agree on is that I cannot understand your posts. That is because you take offence with those who have a different view from your own and you have failed to explain yourself clearly. In an attempt to understand what you are trying to say and hopefully engage in sensible debate I merely asked a few questions. Please explain/answer the questions posed.

I maintain that if a person cannot commit to all that is involved in owning an animal be that large or small then serious consideration should be given if this is really for the best for you or the animal? How it is inhuman or selfish I do not understand. Is it fair on the animal that it is taken in only to find that it possibly cannot be fed, vet bills cannot be paid, it doesn’t get trained or out for walks etc? If you take on a dog it’s means in most cases at least 10 years of food, vet bills, insurance plus walks, socialising, training and so much more.

Having rescued a KAR dog and taken the animal back to U.K. we know what a huge commitment this is, many have done it but not everyone can, but they help in other ways. If you take on a dog it’s for life..... expecting others to help finance the decision, which is what you appear to be suggesting is to my mind a very strange concept.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

If you take on a dog it’s for life..... expecting others to help finance the decision, which is what you appear to be suggesting is to my mind a very strange concept.

That's how I understood it too.
I can't see how certain people taking on dogs and then being, I assume crowd funded, can be a more viable solution than what KAR offer.

[annettewebb]

KAR ANIMAL CENTRE RE-OPENED

KAR are pleased to finally announce that the awful Distemper outbreak which hit our Rescue Centre has finally abated and we are finally clear of our self imposed Lock Down. It has been an awful time for all of our staff and volunteers and we have lost many of our beloved KAR dogs - but we are finally though the crisis.
We would like to thank EVERYONE who has supported us during this terrible time - you have all been truly wonderful - without the support of so many kind and generous people the situation would have been much much worse - we are extremely grateful.
We are still asking for donations of bleach, gloves, vitamins etc as the campaign to keep us Distemper FREE is ongoing.
Our dogs have missed having visitors to walk them , play with and generally give them some TLC - so if you want to visit them for walks etc then our opening hours will be 9am - 1pm daily. However please do bear in mind that it is still incredibly up there so bring plenty of water, sun hats, sun cream and, if walking dogs, try to get there as early as possible - we don't want any one/any dogs suffering with sunstroke or heat exhaustion. ! Walking before 10 am is a good idea.
We are looking forward to seeing our regular visitors and also, hopefully, some new ones .
Please do not be complacent - we (and local vets) are receiving many reports of new cases across the TRNC and amongst the community dogs, and unvaccinated dogs, the situation is still very serious.
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Kyrenia Animal Rescue rely solely on donations for funding, please help us to help the animals of Northern Cyprus .
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