The co-founder of Animals Fiji, Casey Quimby is en­couraging all communi­ties in Fiji to spay their pets and other pets in the communities.

This was after the Fiji Sun raised queries relating to the is­sue of the number of stray dogs in the Western Division with Ms Quimbly on January 22.

“We need the help of the com­munity to not only desex their pets, but all dogs in their area,” she said.

She said, desexing dogs or cats would reduce the amount of con­flict, and there would be space for animals.

“With less dogs in our commu­nity, it gives the animal a better value therefore reducing the number of pets being abandoned or being pinned as worthless.”

She added, according to re­search by scientists, humans needed to have dogs and cats around them as it played a vital part in terms of a human being’s health and well-being.

“For example, research has shown that pets can help allevi­ate several symptoms of depres­sion,” she said.

“So, in Fiji, where non-commu­nicable diseases are one of the biggest killers we should focus on the positives of our human-dog relationship and work towards developing effective and humane means of population control.”

For individuals interested in desexing their pets, they can con­tact:

Western Division – Animals Fiji 9936647

Northern Division – Animals Fiji 9986253

Central Division – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ani­mals (SPCA) Fiji 3301266

Vet Essentials – 3062153

Edited by Susana Tuilau

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj