An environmental association was formally constituted in Bemposta this April. The Associação Ambiental da Via da Estrela is a non-profit dedicated to protecting the local environment, with a particular focus on the care of the cats that live in and around the village.
The work has three strands. Sterilisation, so that colonies stop growing and fewer kittens are born into hardship. Controlled feeding, at fixed points and on a regular schedule, so that the cats are fed properly rather than sporadically. And basic veterinary care, for wounds, illness and vaccination.
The association is at the beginning of its work. The first goal is to cover the cats already living in Bemposta, and then extend to neighbouring villages in the concelho de Penamacor.
Funding will come mainly through sponsorship. Sponsors contribute monthly towards the food and care of one cat, which stays where it already lives, alongside the others it knows. There is no shelter and no relocation of animals.
Anyone who would like to follow the project, help on the ground, or sponsor a cat can visit aave.pt.