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| Owners wait in line with their dogs. ©HSI |
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By Carly Ikuma
In 2007, a generous donor approached HSI about an issue close to her heart. On a visit to Trinidad and Tobago years ago, she had befriended a street dog, who was later found to have been poisoned by an unknown person. She knew that animal welfare on this island nation needed a boost, so HSI embarked on a plan with local organizations to change the situation.
Located just north of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago attracts tourists from all over the world. As in most of the Caribbean, roaming animals are a common sight. Lack of acceptance or knowledge of spay/neuter practices and the benefits they bring adds to the overpopulation of animals, many of them starving, neglected or abandoned.
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A man brings his dogs for treatment.© HSI |
Spreading the Word
After months of community surveys, outreach, and planning, the first spay/neuter clinics were held in October 2008. Called SPOTT (Spaying Prevents Overpopulation on Trinidad and Tobago), the clinics are part of a three-year initiative supported by HSI, the Trinidad and Tobago SPCA, the Animal Welfare Network, and the Pegasus Foundation. Flyers, community megaphones and presentations at local schools were used to publicize the clinics and encourage people to bring in their pets for free sterilization and treatment.
One young boy who brought his dog a clinic to be spayed was unsure of whether his parents would allow it, but he knew how important the procedure would be for his furry friend. Volunteers took time to speak with his family, explaining the procedure and benefits, and they agreed. Children made up a good portion of the owners bringing their animals in, a testament to the value of school outreach and efforts to encourage youth to get involved.
This was the first time many animals had been seen by a veterinarian and most owners chose to wait on site throughout the day for their pets.
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| Tending to recovering cats.© HSI |
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Successful Collaborations Bring Results
Working with veterinarians and students from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of the West Indies and the Trinidad and Tobago Veterinary Association, all of whom volunteered their time, three clinics overall were organized: two on Trinidad and one on Tobago. The main targets for sterilization were female dogs, as this has a significant impact on overpopulation through reduced reproduction.
The areas of focus for the clinics have been large populations of owned and roaming dogs. It is most important to reach these animals because they have proven to be responsible for the strongest litters of puppies, who most successfully survive.
Four days of clinics in the tourist regions of Blanchisseuse and Maracas/Las Cuevas, Trinidad, resulted in 70 sterilizations and 128 dogs vaccinated and treated. In Crowne Point/Store Bay, Tobago, two days of clinics ended with 60 sterilizations. HSI sponsored Dr. Gwen Davis of Puerto Rico Animal Welfare Society to assist with the surgeries, as well as share her knowledge of early spay/neuter techniques.
"The outpouring of support from volunteers and local veterinarians was tremendous. We could not have implemented these clinics without their help," stated Kelly O'Meara, HSI Director of Programs.
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HSI works around the world to develop humane animal control programs, which include sterilization and effective rabies vaccination. Your donation will help us reduce the number of street animals and care for those who are currently homeless. |
Attracting Attention, Looking Ahead
In addition to their success with the clinics, the SPOTT program attracted the interest of the Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Ministry of Agriculture on Tobago. Because the islands are a popular tourist destination, government support for local humane animal welfare initiatives is important.
"We recognize that addressing the stray animal problem will require an ongoing effort," said Sita Kuruvilla, SPOTT Project Coordinator. "It has, however, demonstrated to us that there are many who are interested in the welfare of their animals."
HSI intends to hold these clinics at six-month intervals for the next three years, resulting in a considerable reduction of the street dog population and improved animal and community health.
