You may have heard of 80 cats that Barbara Lisbona, president of the Animal Rescue Network (ARN) has been housing in Rosemont. As mentioned in the news clip, the premises rented by the president of the ARN, are now considered to be contravening zoning laws. The owner of the property wants the cats moved out as soon as possible.
From the beginning, helping animals in distress
In addition to running its no-kill shelter, the ARN manages a network of foster homes and provides help to animals in distress. Ms. Lisbona is well known and has been very involved in animal welfare for over 20 years. The president is constantly solicited from the four corners of Montreal, to come to the rescue to animals in need. Given the meagre resources available to citizens to respond to these calls for help, she has acted to find a quick solution to help these cats in need. Given the fact that the ARN’s shelter was at full capacity and foster homes difficult to find rapidly, she rented the premises in Rosemont. The ARN’s monthly operating costs average $13,000 to cover veterinary costs (sterilization, vaccines, blood tests, exams etc.), medications, rent, electricity, special food, cleaning products, litter etc. It could not therefore provide for this new locale. Ms. Lisbona has been covering the costs of this locale out of her own pocket. She is able to provide the daily care thanks to her dedicated ARN team.
Finding new premises for the 80 cats is complicated and costly. The ARN previously attempted to move it’s no kill shelter (housing up to 300 cats) last winter, but this initiative failed due to the significant costs that could not be raised in donations. Fortunately, the 300 cats housed at the shelter are safe and allowed to stay on the premises which are large, secure and which meet required standards and zoning laws. The funds raised for the move were able to be used to obtain veterinary services for many cats.
Looking for foster homes
The best solution for the 80 cats is now doubt to place them in permanent or temporary foster homes. Anyone interested in helping out is invited to visit the premises by appointment and meet the cats. And if ready to become a foster home or to adopt, team leaders will be on hand to discuss all the details.
“The ARN’s adoption team provides much needed support and information to ensure that the matchup is a success. I receive amazing advice that helped my cat adapt to its new environment” testimonial from a person who adopted an ARN cat, and who is now an ARN volunteer.
The ARN and its president have helped many citizens, please let’s help the ARN today.
About the ARN
Established in 1994 and situated in Montreal, the Animal Rescue Network is a non-profit organization whose mission is to find homes for animals it has rescued. Thanks to the devotion of its one hundred volunteers, it manages the largest no-kill shelter in Montreal. Each year more than 250 cats are saved, adopted or are placed in foster homes.
Information :
Carole Tineo
Communications lead
Réseau secours animal / Animal Rescue Network
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