Don't Dump Animals

It’s the time of year that we all remember and celebrate the loved ones in our lives. Sadly, along with the unwanted gifts and old cards received for Christmas, many animals have been ‘dumped’, making Valentine’s just another day of being abandoned, neglected and feeling far from loved.

Fortunately, help is at hand – or rather, paw. Many local animal charities are actively reaching out every day to animals that are ill-treated, neglected or in need. The Bromley Branch of the CPL (Cats Protection League) is just one of these fantastic organisations dedicated to improving the lives of animals already in need, and also helping to improve animal welfare conditions for the future.

I interviewed Sue Silcyk of the Bromley branch of the CPL, who informed me that “animal charities have reached crisis point”. More and more cats are being admitted than those who are being homed, meaning these organisations are having to turn away new arrivals due to the lack of homes being offered for the cats and kittens already in their care: “it's been getting worse year on year”.

One particular lonely heart who is looking for love is the middle-aged tabby cat ‘Sammy’. Sammy is a handsome, cuddly cat who is currently in remission from Diabetes. This single male is looking for an indoor home who would give him all the love and cuddles he needs.  Sammy is a very affectionate, sentient cat and would like to meet someone who can “give him a chance at a normal life” – he is well suited to being a house or flat cat, as he is no longer on insulin but does need to be kept on a controlled diet. The CPL have offered to continue to support his veterinary needs after he has been homed.

“Just before Christmas”, Sue Silcyk informs me, “the CPL were able to home a cat with similar health issues” - so there is hope yet for little Sammy. However, the cat rescuer added that “Sammy has been waiting in a garden pen for nearly a year, which is far too long”.
Sue explained to me that a big part of the problem is that most people looking for a pet want the youngest ones: “the few people looking for a kitten will want the younger ones, not those of 6 months plus”. This means that many cats like Sammy are simply left waiting for the right person to come along…

The CPL are just one of many animal rescue centres and, although there doesn’t seem to be much room at the inn, these animals lovers will always try to help if you do have a cat that you can no longer care for. The CPL make three simple pleas: firstly, don’t dump animals – if you really need to cut your cat loose, don’t leave it to fend for itself on the bitter Bromley streets; take it to an animal sanctuary so that the charities can get the medical history of your pet, keep it safe and find it a new home. All animal charities much prefer owners to hand over an unwanted cat rather than dump it – this is being a responsible owner! Secondly, get your cat neutered; Sue commented that “if owners would only get their cats neutered there wouldn't be so many kittens and the older ones would stand some sort of chance”.  There is so much help out there for free neutering or neutering with a small donation towards the cost - not only from the CPL but also from the RSPCA, Celia Hammond and others. Finally, if you’re looking for that special someone in your life, why not go to a rescue centre rather than a pet shop or breeder and help a cat already in need of a home?

If you would like to give Sammy the life he’s dreaming of, please visit http://www.bromleycatsprotection.org.uk/