Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

KAR Rescue Centre leads the way!
The KAR Rescue Centre became the bench mark for a new proposed TRNC Rescue Centre that local Beledeyesi are hoping to set up themselves. Representatives from various Beledeyesi and the Veterinary Association visited the KAR Centre and spoke to staff and Margaret Ray – they were given advise on many aspects of animal welfare in relation to stray dog/cat population, control, housing, building requirements, medical needs etc. They could see for themselves the advise being put into practice at the Centre including the recent major renovations that have taken place. The representatives (Degirmenlik Belediyesi Lefkosa Turk Belediyesi, TRNC Veterinary Association, and Gonyeli Belediyesi) were very impressed with the KAR Rescue Centre and it gave them plenty to think about in relation to their own proposed Centre. They are hoping to submit a collective application for EU funding to help build their own Centre.

Well done KAR - despite the odd criticisms aimed at KAR goodness knows what we would do with them.

It's a great shame that you are needed at all but you are and you do a great job. Thank you.

I too agree that KAR have done and are doing marvels to help the animal situation here - but I do wonder if they managed to get over to the authorities the desperate need for neutering of (mainly) male animals????? The strays would at least diminish in time, and a lot of very distressing sights , ie bitches who appear to have had pups and are all suffering malnutrition etc, would disappear.

Whilst not detracting from the work KAR do, they are seen here advising the locals on how to manage a pound but they are not monitoring what is actually happening in THE pound where there are 7 dogs incarcerated, 4 have dirty water & 3 have no water.

IMO they should not be incarcerated unless they are supplied with the basics, water & food...........

Maybe of people went up to the pound (which is not run by KAR = it can only advise) after the Belediye have been they would see DRY FOOD and water. I understand someone has been up there and given out TINNED food so of course the dogs would have gobbled it up as if they were starving, they must have thought it was Christmas Day, they are not used to tinned food. I also understand two dogs who have purposely been segregated had dug their way out of their pound, but could not "dig their way back in". Needless to say they were both hungry and thirsty. If anyone on this or any Forum would care to be the KAR representative and visit the pound on a daily basis and report back to the Belediye then I'm sure KAR and the dogs would be delighted. Would that KAR had the staff and resources to do this themselves.

Thank you Sophie and especially for a constructive "maybe" solution. I think we all know the Belediyese do not take kindly to Joe public sticking their noses in so we come to rely on KAR being a voice on their behalf as they are trying to foster relations with each other.
Do you believe the Belediyese would take notice of someone reporting to them about the condition at THE pound even if they were "representing" KAR, if so I will post this elsewhere & hopefully find a volunteer(s)

I have been disgusted at hearing of some of the remarks and comments aimed at KAR posted on a TRNC animal group FaceBook page - how is that helping anything. They have turned something positive around (this recent visit to the KAR Centre) to become a sword that some of them are using to try and draw blood - KARs blood. How is that helping anything.
Surely people must be able to see that this visit, by the b'eres and vets, can only be a positive thing. They want to see how to do it right in the first place - unlike Girne who just went ahead and did it totally wrong - they are trying , it appears, to avoid making the same mistakes as Girne. Why should they or more particularly KAR be demonised for this
The Girne shelter has made improvements (even the man producing the video that shows the lack of water acknowledges that) - but it is still a long way from how everyone woul like to see it. IF KAR had not been liaising with them, and advising them, over the last few months then without doubt it would have been in an even more terrible state and how many more dogs do you think would be in there by now ???!!!!. KAR are trying to help them - at times they seem to take on the advise an at others they don't - KARs Community Warden meets regularly with B'ere workers and issues are brought up - KAR are trying to help them. The issues raised by the afore mentioned video had been discussed on Friday with them and i personally know that for a fact. Again advise was given and they assure KAR it was being actioned.
There are many individuals here who work behind the scenes doing what they can to help animals where they can and how they can - some of that IS being done by KAR - behind the scenes. Maybe they do not have the time or man power to concentrate exclusively on one particular problem or to report on all meetings, discussions held about the problems here - but neither do they publicly slate any other group or individual who is trying to help.

Well said ifonly

I congratulate ifonly for her concise report above. Having read some of the comments on the animal Facebook involved I am staggered at the ill informed opinions that are being bandied about. One suggestions being that KAR should take all 400plus dogs for a walk around Girne (perhaps they would like to do the same for the 60plus cats as well?) That would be great wouldn't it? 400 plus dogs would include the following:- physically and mentally ill, very elderly and infirm, dogs in isolation because of infection, dogs isolated because they are fighters and/or biters. the list goes on. Do these people have an ounce of common sense amongst them. I would really like someone on the other organisation to go round KAR and see the work being carried out there with so very few people who work their fingers to the bone. Behind the scenes an awful lot of other diplomatic work goes on without fuss or publicity, unreported but important. We all have animal welfare as our driving force and give of hours and hours of time to the subject and this continuing harping, hurtful criticism by people who haven't seen what they are decrying and to some extent play the game of "Chinese Whispers" really should think before they go public.

sophie, you are obviously and justly passionate about animal welfare and the excellence of the service KAR provides. I have not seen the FB site, nor do I intend to search for it. We took 2 rescue dogs from KAR and support it where we can. However, I doubt your posts will make not one jot of difference to those hell bent on criticising where they can and mostly without foundation. Save your energy for events you can influence, it will save you a lot of frustration and ignore those who cannot or will not help.

I too do not go on the animal FB page in question but unfortunately am witness to comments made against KAR whilst doing the voluntary work I do for another Charity.
This particular Group is working towards becoming a Registered Charity so maybe the political game is being played to gain sympathy and support for them and take it away from KAR.
I do not support all of KAR policies but they have helped me with many of the animals I have been involved with over the years of living here and I second the comment that without KAR what would the situation be here for the vulnerable and innocent dogs and cats. The number of animals in KAR's care is 400 PLUS and they still need to raise money and have our support to be able to continue doing this. What would others do, open the gates and let them all loose to fend for themselves again?
Carry on Regardless KAR - you have mine and BBB's thanks.

BBB's other hal