International Animal Day Brings New Hope for Algarve’s Leading Animal Shelter

ARA Loule’s Amazing Animal Shelter

Loulé’s pioneering animal shelter, Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA), celebrated a major victory on International Animal Day, as the local council officially withdrew a demolition order that had loomed over the facility for five long years. Since its establishment, ARA has been a trailblazer in animal welfare, rescuing countless animals despite the uncertainty caused by legal battles.

The Long Road to Victory

In 2019, just as ARA began its mission of saving animals in need, the shelter was hit with a demolition order due to its unconventional approach to communication with municipal authorities. Sid Richardson, ARA’s founder, was undeterred by the legal challenges. Not one to back down, Sid fought tirelessly against the order, garnering widespread public support and media attention along the way.

ARA quickly became a beacon of hope for animals, saving hundreds of lives and launching successful initiatives like the ‘Cat Village’ project, which sterilised over 1,530 cats in its first year. Recognizing the shelter’s critical role in the community, the council eventually removed the demolition order, acknowledging that ARA is a “special requirement” for the region.

A Visionary’s Journey

Sid Richardson reflects on the shelter’s journey with a mix of humility and pride. At 80 years old, he admits he may have been “a little too critical” of the local government’s handling of animal welfare when he first built ARA. Faced with overflowing kennels and bureaucratic delays, Sid took matters into his own hands, clearing land and creating a sanctuary for animals without waiting for formal approval.

Despite the hurdles, Sid’s passion for animal welfare has never wavered. ARA now stands as one of the most advanced animal shelters in Europe, featuring insulated kennels for 100 dogs, catteries for 50 cats, 14 park areas with water pools and sand pits, and a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and ‘work-away’ residents.

Continuing the Fight for Animal Welfare

While ARA has achieved incredible success, the broader problem of animal welfare in the Algarve remains. Many municipal kennels still lack basic facilities and fail to provide the necessary care and education to prepare animals for adoption. ARA regularly steps in to help with abandoned animals, including bottle-feeding newborn litters found discarded in rubbish bins.

To change mindsets, ARA has established partnerships with 14 local schools to educate the younger generation about responsible animal care, hoping to influence families and communities.

A Call to Action

Despite its achievements, ARA’s mission is far from over. The shelter is actively working to combat the practice of keeping dogs chained and aims to inspire broader changes in animal welfare across the Algarve. João Ferreira, ARA’s ambassador and a passionate animal advocate, has been instrumental in raising awareness through numerous TV appearances alongside rescued animals.

As Sid and his team continue to grow the shelter, they’re always in need of more support. Volunteers are welcome at ARA’s kennels and catteries, as well as at the shelter’s three charity shops, which help fund the vital work being done.

A Bright Future for ARA, But More Is Needed

Loulé’s town council was right to recognize that ARA is a special asset to the community, but the need for shelters like ARA extends far beyond Loulé. The entire Algarve could benefit from more facilities that offer the same level of care and commitment to animal welfare. While ARA stands as a shining example of what can be achieved, there’s always room for more people to get involved and help create a brighter future for the region’s animals.

Gatehouse International Algarve – Proud to be a part of Animal Rescue Algarve