Update on price increases for KAR

[KAR]

Following our announcement about the rise in Veterinary costs to KAR for neutering cats and dogs and subsequent responses and articles in the media. We feel that we should respond ourselves to certain points.

The figures (in % terms) that we recently gave in respect of the increases to KAR were correct - they are rises against the new costs as notified to KAR and took into consideration what we had previously been paying.
The rise in the costs to the general public was announced in January but not applied until April.
The rise for the neutering and treatment of street animals was not applied until mid October. All prices are controlled by the Veterinary Association and not individual Vets. We are very grateful to all the Vets that we work with for all the help that they give to us as they always try to keep costs to the minimum. Particularly thanks to Niyazi (Petline), Pertev (Hospital Vet Clinic), Funda (All Pets), Altay(Vetpoint) and Fuat (Garfield).
We have been having discussions with many interested parties and have managed to secure a promise of a larger discount. This will result in a much lower % increase than we had initially been informed of. We are also having talks with the Veterinary Association regarding further reductions.

We are committed and will continue to protest loudly at every price rise and costs for neutering dogs and cats both owned animals and street animals as it is our belief and policy that neutering is the only way to reduce the numbers of unwanted and abandoned animals on the streets of the TRNC.

Neutering we believe, if not free, should be at a price affordable by all.

[Mimi2]

Neutering we believe, if not free, should be at a price affordable by all.

Totally agree. It's the only way forward. Effective birth control

[sophie]

Thanks to the Vets that really are trying to keep costs down as much as they are able.

[Ragged Robin]

There is an article in Cyprus Today on SAt.. 4th Nov. regarding the dispute betweenKAR and the Veterinary Association regarding fees. Contrary to the above, the article suggests no basis of agreement has yet been found with the "union chief" described as "upset an angry". But please read and form your own conclusions. Unless KAR decide to be more trusting of potential supporters it seems we may never know the truth of the matter.
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In view of a later post re the new canine facilities in Girne and the expressed need for cheaper neutering and more homing, I find the above dispute in which neither party seems to have considered the needs of individual animal carers very, very disappointing and dispiriting.

[PoshinDevon]

KAR advised the fees they were advised and the increases in % terms to them as an organisation were correct. They are in further discussion and highlighted the fact that they were grateful to a numbers of vets for there help and support.

There is no reason for them to go into any further detail on the matter, if you want to know how any increases may affect you as an individual then surely the best option is to speak direct to your vet.

I would exercise caution in accepting everything written in a paper.

[Deniz1]

Out of interest my vet charges 250tl to neuter a female cat.

[sophie]

I agree poshindevon..................I would certainly urge caution as to accepting everything as fact in C2D!!

[Cally]

Looking at Deniz1's comment about his vet charging 250tl to spay a cat, gives a good idea about high these charges are.

Googling this price, in UK the average is between £50 - £60

So by comparison the average wages in TRNC must be far lower than UK so the vet costs for this procedure imo are extremely high......... how on earth can they justify it.

No wonder the country is overrun with cats/kittens.

An earlier poster has said what can he do about 5 kittens trying to get in his house.......

[PoshinDevon]

http://www.whatprice.co.uk/prices/vet-p ... z4xvepzL9M

Seems to be a big variation in cost depending on location.

Did a search on individual vet practices in the U.K. and those that did display the cost for cat spaying/neutering etc also seemed to show a variation in cost. Some vets may have a basic cost but charge extra for removal of sutures/drugs/follow up appointment.

Agree with KAR that spaying/neutering of dogs and cats should be affordable for all, it’s the only way to control the population.

[Keithcaley]

http://www.whatprice.co.uk/prices/vet-p ... z4xvepzL9M

Seems to be a big variation in cost depending on location.

Did a search on individual vet practices in the U.K. and those that did display the cost for cat spaying/neutering etc also seemed to show a variation in cost. Some vets may have a basic cost but charge extra for removal of sutures/drugs/follow up appointment.

Agree with KAR that spaying/neutering of dogs and cats should be affordable for all, it’s the only way to control the population.

Lobbying the TRNC Government would seem to be a possible solution, with a view to persuading them to subsidise the cost - I appreciate that the majority of Vets care about this issue, and a lot of them do try to help, but it's really something that the Government should take on board - the Vets have to earn a living, after all, and the responsibility should not continue to be subject to the Vets' willingness to help.

The main obstacle is that we, as ex-pats, mostly don't have a vote (or, consequently, influence!) ...

[Ragged Robin]

To be fair Keith a greater number of Cypriots are increasingly taking an interest in animal care, They have formed their own animal charities, and I notice an increasing number taking well groomed dogs walkies on a lead. Perhaps the British led Charities should consider trying to involve those who do have a vote more in Government. Although on a point of procedure it seems to me that it is Local rather than central Government that is responsible for animal issues. Has anyone noted any difference in attitude in the different areas.

[Keithcaley]

To be fair Keith a greater number of Cypriots are increasingly taking an interest in animal care, They have formed their own animal charities, and I notice an increasing number taking well groomed dogs walkies on a lead. Perhaps the British led Charities should consider trying to involve those who do have a vote more in Government. Although on a point of procedure it seems to me that it is Local rather than central Government that is responsible for animal issues. Has anyone noted any difference in attitude in the different areas.

Some interesting points raised there...

...Although I do wonder whether the interest of "Cypriots...taking their well groomed dogs for walkies" translates to a general interest in the welfare of 'feral' animals.