Jennifer Pulling runs Catsnip, launched in 2002, following the discovery that the Sicilian method of controlling the population of feral cats, in the mistaken belief this would ‘solve’ the problem was by killing them. With funding raised from organisations and individuals, Jennifer has made several catch/neuter/return trips to Sicily with vets from America and with Dorothea Fritz, a German vet who lives in Naples.

Jennifer's 'one man band’ organisation has two main aims:

* to pursue a catch/neuter/return programme of feral cats in Sicily; in the longer term to alter the mind set of local people particularly young people.

* To attempt to persuade them to see animals as sentient beings capable of the same feelings as human beings and also with needs and rights which should be respected particularly because they cannot speak for themselves.

As a writer and journalist Jennifer has written and had published several articles on the subject. She has also written and had printed an educational book which she takes round schools in Sicily and talks to the youngsters about animal welfare and the need for neutering as the ONLY solution for the overpopulation of feral animals.

Jennifer is currently working on two issues:

* To gain permission to take vets to Sicily on an official basis for catch/neuter/return sessions.

* To address the running of kennels and catteries in tourist areas, where animals live in atrocious conditions.

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