Kildare charity helped more than 1,000 animals this year
Karen Piggott of Cottage Veterinary Clinic, primary sponsor of the calendar, with Anne McCaffrey of KWWSPCA
MORE than 1,000 animals are now living better lives this year through the work of the animal welfare charity Kildare & West Wicklow SPCA (KWWSPCA), those attending a packed fundraising Table Quiz in Kilcullen were told.
The organisation's Sally McCaffrey also said that more than 400 feral cats had been neutered, many of which were rehomed on farms or as domestic pets.
"Hopefully, in the long run, there will be fewer and fewer feral cats, and they'll be living in better conditions anyway," she said.
She said the primary focus for the coming year will be to raise funds and begin work on a new shelter to replace the current leased premises in Athgarvan.
The charity bought 15 acres of land near Kildare three years ago and was recently granted planning permission for the project. She also paid tribute to the volunteers at KWWSPCA, without whom the charity wouldn't have started in the first place, and who enable it to keep going.
A fundraising calendar was launched at the Table Quiz night at Fallons. Members of Kilcullen Photography Club took the featured photographs of rescue dogs.
The main calendar sponsor is the Cottage Veterinary Clinic, Newbridge, with other supporters including Eurospar Kilcullen, Fallons, Mart Coffee, and Berney's Chemist, Mace Athgarvan, Mindology Wellness Centre in Clane, Medals & Pedals in Clane, and Studio Print Clane.
Sponsors of the raffle on the quiz night were Kilcullen businesses Stina Flowers, the River Cafe, and the Hair Emporium.
Representing the Cottage Veterinary Clinic, dog behaviour and training consultant Felicity Kelleher acknowledged the brilliant work of KWWSPCA, adding that they are one of the most compassionate and welfare-led teams she has ever worked with.
"The standard they set in the clinic makes everything I do more effective. It's a big honour to be here to celebrate the calendar launch."
