Kathryn Cleghorn is a committed animal welfare advocate and educator who has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of dogs and cats in Trinidad & Tobago. She has been the School Vice Principal of Princess Town Comprehensive since January 1990 and has been with the school for over 30 years. During this time, she has also founded Animals Alive, a nonprofit organization that runs the largest no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in the Caribbean. Ozzie Stewart, “Headliner on C-Suite Radio” was amazed by the level of care and cleanliness of the shelter.
Listen to our conversation at: https://www.onthecall podcast.com/since-thenShe grew up in a household with pets, and her family taught her the importance of treating animals with care and kindness. This upbringing set her on a lifelong mission to improve the lives of animals, particularly dogs and cats. In 2008, Cleghorn founded Animals Alive after seeing the plight of stray dogs and cats in Trinidad & Tobago. She recognized the need for a no-kill shelter that would provide care and rehabilitation for these animals. Under her leadership, Animals Alive has grown to become one of the most significant animal welfare organizations in the Caribbean region, providing a safe haven for hundreds of dogs and cats in need. The sanctuary sits on a 5-acre compound and features four low, wide buildings that hold kennels.
For more on the ON THE CALL experience, go to: https://www.onthecallpodcast.comCleghorn and her team provide nutritious food and medical care for the animals brought in by Regional Corporations. The shelter is run by donations from businesses and individuals, and the cost of running it stands at approximately $65,000 monthly. In addition to providing shelter and care for dogs and cats, Cleghorn and her team run several programs to educate the community about animal welfare. These programs include a mentorship program that focuses on rehabilitating animals and a sponsorship program that provides support for dogs that remain at the shelter. They also offer volunteering opportunities. Cleghorn is a strong advocate for legislation that would improve animal welfare standards. She has been instrumental in helping to produce new animal welfare standards that led to recently updated legislation in an Animal Health and Welfare Bill. She also lobbies for a complete ban on explosive fireworks, which she believes are a significant cause of suffering for both people and animals. For her, euthanizing unwanted pets undermines the very reason for dedicating oneself to animal welfare. Cleghorn believes that owning an animal has numerous benefits, including providing comfort and support, teaching responsibility, and aiding children's emotional and social development. She also emphasizes the importance of educating people about responsible pet ownership, using a combination of spaying/neutering, exercise, good nutrition, regular vaccinations, and de-worming. Over the years, Cleghorn's Animals Alive has received recognition by the Rotary Club. She has also been featured in several news outlets and documentaries on animal welfare, raising awareness about the plight of dogs and cats in Trinidad & Tobago. Her partner, David "Charlie" Gunness, had been with her for almost three decades and helped to maintain the buildings and tend to the grounds. Cleghorn remains committed to her belief in preserving and protecting animal life and has dedicated her entire life to making a difference for dogs and cats in Trinidad. 👉🏾Creator/Host: Ozzie Stewart - IG: @otc_podcast20 “Headliner on C-Suite Radio” For collaboration/business inquiries: onthecallpodcast20@gmail.com IG-https://www.instagram.com/otc_podcast20
