The Care of Didim Aninals (CoDA) has addressed a number of items that were raised at a recent AGM, and thought it would be good to share with the wider community how money is raised by the charity and how and where that money is spent.

The statement follows: “Donations are received worldwide. We are fortunate we have shelter volunteers from many different countries and they share information and support us even when returning to their hometowns.

“All money raised is spent on caring for street animals and shelter animals. Although the charity has always supported both cats and dogs, recent changes in the law have resulted in the majority of our funds being diverted towards dogs. Street dogs can no longer be taken to the shelter to be treated and then released.

“Private citizens caring for a street dog need to be aware there will be costs involved now when caring for a street dog. Now, if a dog is taken to the shelter for treatment, they will not be released unless formally adopted.”

It adds: “This has resulted in a greater demand on our resources for private vet bills and put us in the very difficult position of having to create a monthly allowance for private vets bills and only being able to provide a donation to those bills whereas in the past, we have been able to offer more substantial financial support.”

CoDA’s current monthly food bill for street feeders alone is in excess of 46,000 lira. It supports street feeders all over Didim; including Akbuk, Altinkum, Mavisehir, Akyeniköy, Miletos and Tas Burun.

There are also a number of shelter animals that it supports, with regard to specialist food etc. The shelter food bill is over 12,000tl a month.

CoDa added: “On top of this, we support both the shelter and street feeders by providing extra medicines and private vet visits. We also buy rapid test kits for the shelter to try and cut down the spread of disease and/or prevent unnecessary long-term suffering.

“All our events and tabletop sales collect donations. These donations allow us to continue to support the ownerless animals in the Didim Municipality. All donations are vital for us to continue to support ownerless animals.

“There are so many ways you can support us. You can donate any unwanted household items, clothing, towels or bedding. We have drop off points now for items. Sahara in Akbuk and Sinbads Jewellers in Didim. Alternatively, you could donate your time and or your skills.

“There are always small jobs that need doing at the shelter. Other ways include; buying a calendar, attending events or simply sharing our posts. Every little thing helps. We are grateful to our volunteers and supporters.”

CoDA said: “Recently we have had an extremely successful appeal to raise money for all the dangerous breeds or ‘lifers’ at the shelter. We wanted each of these dogs to be protected from the debilitating and incurable disease that is leishmaniasis. It is a horrible, and unfortunately quite common disease that is spread by the sandfly. Our supporters were asked to donate £25 per dog. This would cover the cost of a sandfly, flea and tick collar and also worming tablets. Protecting the dogs for a year.

“Donations received were enough to cover every dangerous breed dog at the shelter, which is currently in excess of 50 dogs. The impact of this kindness and generosity is not to be underestimated. Not only is the life of the dog wearing the collar protected, but by having such a large number of collars in the shelter environment this will go a long way towards breaking the cycle of this dreadful disease.”

It concluded: “CoDA would like to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all people who donated towards this appeal. In conclusion, please contact us if you are able to support us in any way, however small.”