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| Dave Pauli teaching humane handling methods.© HSI |
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By Carly Ikuma
In April and May 2008, Dr. Barry Kellogg, HSI Senior Veterinary Advisor, and Dave Pauli of The HSUS's Northern Rockies Regional Office traveled to the Philippines to work with that country's Animal Welfare Coalition to train a team of local veterinarians and animal control officers in humane capture and handling, improved spay and neuter surgical techniques, and disaster response.
The major goal of the workshop was to provide skills to resident vets and animal handlers that they could then use to train others in their communities.
"I received many positive responses," said Dave Pauli. "Government entities, the Animal Welfare Coalition, other NGOs and city vets are serious about improving conditions. They hope that the Philippines can become a leader in Asia for rabies control and humane animal handling."
Bringing government and civil society together in ways like this will keep citizens safe and improve quality of life for humans and animals alike.
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| Dr. Barry Kellogg showing better spay technique.© HSI |
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A Worthwhile Effort
Overall, the training was a success and left many Filipino veterinarians, animal caretakers and control officers excited to put to use and share their newfound knowledge. The skills they learned are key elements to the enforcement of the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, an important piece of legislation that tackles many animal-related issues, including the dog meat trade, overpopulation and rabies outbreaks.
The law not only put in place procedures for adequately controlling a deadly disease; it also promotes policy for responsible pet ownership.
"The Anti-Rabies Act is huge—the ideal opportunity for radical, respectful and meaningful change for animals," remarked Pauli.
