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Pui-Hang Miles I was asked the same question by the receptionist at the vet today. These are just a few thoughts...
I have been involved in animal rescue for most of my life. I used to support our largest animal rescue charity, but stopped when I realised how badly they are functioning. One dear little wobbly kitten's story was posted on a forum from the vet who treated him as a stray. They asked if anyone could offer him a home and within hours one was found. Too late. The vet had passed him to the charity who put him to sleep the same day. His name was Buzzer.
I've home checked for Cat's Protection and other rescue organisations, but many have silly rules like no kittens if you go to work, or you can only truly look after a maximum of two cats. We have had a maximum of eighteen, but currently have eight. For the past 15 years or so we have just taken in the local waifs and strays - several ferals, two unwanted kittens and an elderly cat out of a home due to a divorce.
The truth is there are far more pets than good homes and it's a situation that sadly I feel will never change. There are many groups over here doing what they can and if the animal can't be homed, they generally don't have that bad a life. The situation in Romania is far, far worse. People hate abandoned pets and dogs and cats are regularly targeted. They are deliberately run over, shot, poisoned and worse. Kittens are often thrown to packs of dogs to eat. (I'm sorry if I've upset you, but my friend has two surviving kitties from exactly such a situation a few weeks ago). Our own Bubu (you have already seen his photograph) was stamped on as a tiny kitten. The vet operated to repair a ruptured diaphragm and his liver was stuck to his heart. He didn't breathe on his own for four hours, but they never gave up on him. Even our local vet admitted they wouldn't fight so hard for an animal.
The rescue groups in Romania are working in near impossible conditions, but they continue to do what they can. I think people doing good should be supported. Without a channel to home the cats and dogs, there would simply be nowhere for them to go and the rescue work would dry up. They are trying to set a good example - I know it may take decades, or never, but someone has to keep a light shining.
To answer your other question - no, it isn't difficult. There is no quarantine and the cats only need their normal vaccinations, plus rabies. Bubu cost us £140 last year to bring over. Bijou will be £190, but that includes all the paperwork, the blood tests I requested, vaccinations, a spay, transport to the collection point and the approved pet carrier to Essex. There must be one person on the vehicle for every four animals and they get the best care. Bubu arrived cool as a cucumber and was settled and purring within half an hour.
