Estonian musicians campaign to bring more men to animal shelters

Estonian musicians are taking part in a campaign to encourage more men to visit animal shelters and adopt cats, ERR reported. The campaign was organised by the Varjupaikade MTÜ animal shelter organisation, whose representative Anni-Anete Mõisamaa said women are currently more active in animal protection.

Volunteers and shelter workers, as well as people who adopt animals and visit shelters, are mostly women, Mõisamaa said on the Raadio 2 programme “R2 Päev”. The organisation therefore brought together Estonian musicians who are also animal lovers and photographed them with cats waiting for homes.

“Through them, we are also trying to reach other men so that they find their way to a shelter and adopt a cat,” Mõisamaa said.

Jaagup Kreem, Joosep Järvesaar, Ollie, Indrek Raadik and Robert Linna are taking part in the campaign. Mõisamaa said all the musicians approached agreed to participate.

She said it was interesting to hear how animals had entered the musicians’ lives and improved their quality of life. Järvesaar, for example, said his cat had come into his life at the moment he needed it most.

Animals remain in the organisation’s care for an average of three months while waiting for a new home, Mõisamaa said. Kittens are adopted more quickly, with one kitten sometimes attracting 50 potential adopters, while adult animals usually wait longer.

The organisation has agreements with local governments under which municipalities cover an animal’s upkeep at a shelter for the first 14 days. From the 15th day onward, the shelters rely solely on donations, Mõisamaa said.

More than 500 cats are currently waiting for homes in the shelters, compared with about 20 dogs.