A Heartfelt Beginning: How A 14-Year-Old Laid The Groundwork
In 2003, a 14-year-old girl named Mariana Nóbrega embarked on a mission that would grow into a significant animal welfare organization in Madeira. Moved by the plight of stray dogs, she began rescuing these animals, bringing them home to care for them. This compassionate endeavor laid the groundwork for what would later become the AAAC - Associação Ajuda a Alimentar Cães-
We do not give away kittens to live on the street, in cages, or on balconies.
Do not adopt animals if you do not have responsibility, empathy, compassion, time, love, financial means, and an understanding that adoption is a lifelong commitment.AAAC on Facebook
Transitioning to a Non-Profit Organization
As her efforts expanded, Mariana created the Facebook page Ajuda a Alimentar Cães in 2013 to solicit food donations for the growing number of animals she was caring for. The page quickly garnered community support, allowing her to assist even more needy animals. Recognizing the need for a formal structure to address the legal requirements surrounding animal welfare, Mariana established AAAC as a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of stray animals. Next, the AAAC was officially founded on November 11, 2014.
‘Octoberpet’ Fundraiser By The AAAC
Comprehensive Animal Welfare Initiatives
Since its establishment, the AAAC has undertaken various initiatives to enhance its ability to help stray animals. The organization focuses on recruiting new members and donors, organizing festive fundraising events, and forming partnerships with local veterinary clinics to provide discounted services. Additionally, the AAAC collaborates with major supermarket chains to conduct food collection drives, ensuring a steady supply of nourishment for the animals in their care.
Most of the association's members are frequently invited to participate in radio and television programs, such as "Madeira Viva" or "Interesse Público," and they give numerous interviews to the "Diário de Notícias," the largest print media outlet in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
Key Activities and Community Engagement
The AAAC engages in a range of activities aimed at improving the lives of stray animals and promoting animal welfare. These initiatives include:
Sterilization Programs: The organization sterilizes stray animals and returns them to their original locations when possible, as a means of controlling the population.
Adoption Fairs: Regular adoption events help find loving homes for companion animals.
Support for Low-Income Families: AAAC assists financially disadvantaged families with sterilization and veterinary care, as well as providing food support for their pets.
Educational Outreach: The association conducts programs in schools to raise awareness about animal welfare, educating young people about responsible pet ownership and the legal ramifications of animal cruelty.
In addition to these efforts, the AAAC has gained recognition in local media, appearing on radio and television programs to spread its message. The organization has also received accolades from the Funchal Municipal Assembly for its commitment to animal welfare.
Legal Advocacy and Future Goals
Legal support has been a crucial component of the AAAC's mission. One of its members played a pivotal role in the passage of legislation that prohibits the euthanasia of animals in municipal shelters, making Madeira the first region in Portugal to adopt such a humane policy. The association also assists in prosecuting cases of animal cruelty and abandonment, ensuring that offenders are held accountable.
The "AAAC - Associação Ajuda a Alimentar Cães" is legally supported by one of its members, who is a lawyer by profession. On behalf of the association, he was the architect of Regional Legislative Decree 13/2016/M, enacted on March 10, which prohibits the euthanasia of animals in municipal shelters in the archipelago as a means of controlling the stray population. Euthanasia is only permitted in exceptional cases to prevent inevitable death and suffering in animals that are victims of accidents or irreversible diseases.
Saving More Animals Requires Additional Funding
As the AAAC looks to the future, its primary goal remains clear: to secure the resources necessary to increase its capacity to rescue and care for even more animals in need. With a dedicated team and a supportive community, AAAC continues to be a beacon of hope for strays across Madeira.
Support Ajuda a Alimentar Cães and Donate Today!
Find out how to reach out to Ajuda Alimentar Caes and donate!
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https://www.facebook.com/ajudaaalimentarcaes
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E-Mail
ajudaaalimentarcaes@gmail.com
Address
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zBXqeqSpbgSiMkuG7
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