A merger between two Algarve animal charities, The Donkey Sanctuary and the Association for the Protection of Animals in the Algarve (APAA), has been called off due to “fundamental differences in approach” between the two charities.
Alan Camplin-Smith, the president of the APAA said: “This is a great disappointment to the APAA. We were looking forward to the merger and to supporting The Donkey Sanctuary in the continuation of its work.
“We shall continue to look for land on which to build a rescue centre and, in the meantime, we will continue on our spaying and neutering programme, providing food to people who take in and care for abandoned dogs and cats and helping with veterinary fees for the less well off in the community.”
Meanwhile, the legacy of 100,000 Euros from Inez Soares da Rosa which had been intended to be spent on refurbishing and equipping the clinic at The Donkey Sanctuary, is to remain in the bank account of the executors until a new project is found and approved.
“The APAA has so far saved 27,000 Euros towards buildings and equipment for a rescue centre and will continue with its savings plan,” said Alan Camplin-Smith.
Nan Richardson from The Donkey Sanctuary told the Algarve Resident: “It had been a little premature to announce the merger before all the contracts had been signed and when it came down to the nitty gritty we found that we were unable to agree on some of the basic principles.”
She added: “There is no ill feeling between the charities and The Donkey Sanctuary will continue to work with the APAA wherever we can while our own fundraising initiatives will continue for the sanctuary.”
