OUR HISTORY



KAR HISTORY

  • 1997 Working committee established by a small group of people saddened by seeing stray animals on the streets and the conditions they lived in. Compound built in Karaoglanoglu area to house and care for stray and abandoned dogs.
  • 1998 Affiliated to the R.S.P.C.A. in UK.

  • 1999 After it became obvious that a larger piece of land in a non-residential area was needed the Forestry Department donated a tract of land in the Besparmak Mountain where a kennel block, exercise compounds and caretaker’s accommodation was built and the Rescue Centre opened in May.
  • 2000 The R.S.P.C.A. donated a VW van in January.
    A small fundraising Charity Shop opened near Kyrenia Fire Station.
  • 2001 A building project at the Besparmak Centre provided a new kitchen block for animal food preparation, a storage area and a cattery to accommodate up to 30 cats.
  • 2002 New building work included the construction of a visitors’ toilet, a large exercise area for dogs and an extension to the old house for sick and recovering animals.The Charity Shop moved next door to larger premises.
    Endorsement of the Universal Declaration for the Welfare of Animals signed.
  • 2003 A Cat Feeding Area Scheme was introduced covering hotels and restaurants. Four additional dog compounds and a small exercise area for puppies built at the Besparmak Centre.
    Proposals made to Parliament for updating the Dog Law.
  • 2004 In April Kyrenia Animal Rescue achieved Charity status and changed from ‘Club’ to ‘Society’ with a brand new logo.
    In September North Cyprus was removed by DEFRA from the Passport for Pets Scheme. Animals continued to be sent under the 6 months UK quarantine restrictions and a campaign was set up to fight for the reinstatement of the Scheme to include North Cyprus.

  • 2005 A very generous donation allowed KAR to purchase its third van. Meetings with the local council regarding dog registration continued and in October they announced to the public that all dogs needed to be registered. KAR’s Dog Neuter and Return Campaign began where street dogs are collected, neutered and have a red numbered tag affixed to their ear before being returned.
  • 2006 KAR moved into new offices in Girne. A generous legacy allowed the Society to buy a much-needed replacement for the worn out Suzuki Cat Catching van used in the Neuter and Return Campaign.
  • 2007 The Charity Shop was given a complete refurbishment in May and also a new shop management team was formed to generate fresh ideas and share growing responsibilities.

  • 2008 Anti poison petition of 2,200 signatures was handed to the Government. ‘Putting Paws First’ leaflet was introduced. All cats in KAR care were tested for FIV. Two new dog compounds P & Q were built.
  • 2009 Portakabin was built as an extension to the Cattery fondly name the ‘Kittery’ to house the smaller cats and also an exercise/play area for the cats was completed. A block of six kennels were built and named the ER block to house recovering sick & injured dogs by a group of volunteers.
  • 2010 Two new dog compounds were completed named M1 & ER7. The ‘Cash for KAR’ incentive was launched to encourage the public to hold events to raise money for KAR.
  • 2011 Following a fundraising event at Belapais Abbey and a legacy, ‘Pine Walk’ was built. This was a block of fourteen kennels. Also due to the very benefactor we were able to introduce a new member of staff as our ‘Community Warden’ to help with members of the public and catch, collect and return the street animals. Plans were introduced to begin a project to open our own Veterinary Clinic to help with the continuing rise in Veterinary costs.
  • 2012 Following change in the regulations at the start of the year in pet travel animals the movement of animals into Europe became easier and more affordable. An agreement was made with Animal Couriers Ltd to move animals overland and trips began on a regular basis. KAR moved into new offices at Karakum. This gave much needed space for further expansion.
  • 2013 Opening of second Charity show called ‘Gladrags’ for better quality second hand clothes and accessories. Completion of ‘Doggy Avenue 1 & 2’. Two areas of eighteen kennels to re-house the long stay dogs normally in the Kennel Block to enable the Kennel Block to become our next project which urgently requires a complete rebuild. Introduction of our new Veterinary Clinic facilities and expanding of the KAR Pet Travel department.

  • 2014 Changes in TRNC law meant that all dogs are to be micro-chipped and registered. This resulted in an even larger number of dogs being abandoned and the highest number of dogs ever given care at the Rescue centre. Meetings with the local authorities were ongoing as to the new law requirements for removing all dogs from the streets and housed in centres.At the centre further improvements were made, three new compounds were built, the kitchen was upgraded, a hot water system was installed, fencing, gates etc were repaired or replaced. Security was stepped up following damage by intruders and dogs being stolen. Another vehicle was purchased to be used by our Community Warden and Pet Travel. A Rabies Serology testing service was set up for local vets and owners. Our Vet clinic at our office premises was completed and equipped ready for use and steps were made to find a qualified Vet to employ for the neutering and treatment of the street animals. At the end of the year a contract was signed for a Third charity shop which we named House & Home.
  • 2015 There was a continuous rise in the number of animals in our care – 50% rise in two years. We continued with our Neuter & Return programme until September when we were reminded by the authorities of the new TRNC law that stipulate that dogs cannot be put back onto the streets. Also the cost of neutering rose dramatically- 100% for neutering a female dog and 140% for a female cat. Our N & R programme for dogs sadly ended. At the centre ‘The Terrace’ was completed giving five additional compounds, a new perimeter fence was erected, drainage wells were built and CCTV was installed. The Kennel Block Rebuild project was launched to raise £26,000 and in September building work on this began. Our Education team continued and expanded their ‘Caring for Animals’ programme in the local schools. KAR Pet Travel became ‘Provisional Members’ of IPATA – the only one in the TRNC. IPATA changed their database to include and recognise the TRNC as a country in its own right.
  • 2016 With the success of the Kennel Block rebuild project appeal, which raised a magnificent £30,000, the work was completed and was quickly put to use. A new reception / visitors centre building was purchased and equipped. Further compounds, storage areas, concrete and wooden kennels and new drains were built. Water tanks were renewed and fencing replaced. New initiatives to encourage visitors to the centre are currently ongoing and ‘Meeters & Greeters’ are now on hand to help during opening hours. Our Pet Travel dept continues to expand and was awarded full IPATA membership.

2017 we celebrated our 20 year anniversary, a fantastic achievement!!