Stray dog issue
Tim Howick-Smith, Lami

I wanted to express my appreciation to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

This is for undertaking, in collaboration with many other organisations, donors and volunteers, the neutering campaign carried out at SPCA in Walu Bay, Sukhu Park in Suva and on Beqa Island during the period March 5 to 15.

So often one hears complaints in the media about the negative impact of dogs, both owned and strays, as well as concerns regarding the plight of unwanted dogs and puppies that roam our streets.

I believe that not enough is said about the valiant efforts of the SPCA, as well as other organisations such as Animals Fiji and the Greater Good Foundation, to address this issue notwithstanding the severe constraints they face.

This latest neutering campaign has managed to neuter/de-sex literally hundreds of dogs and puppies and cats and kittens – which otherwise would have gone on to produce thousands of more dogs and cats.

Many of which would have been unwanted and left either to die or to roam the streets. This service was even provided at below cost!

The success of this campaign is the result of months of planning and collaboration between a multitude of organisations, individuals and donors that are too numerous to list here.

A complete list of all those involved can be obtained from the SPCA. I would, however like to identify the following groups:

• The executive committee and all the staff and numerous volunteers at the SPCA. n The veterinarians, veterinary nurses and students from the Fiji National University.

• All the veterinarians from the US who not only volunteered their expertise, but who even paid for their own travel!

• The Suva City Council and the Ministry of Agriculture.

• SPCA members and others who made financial contributions.

• All the many organisations, companies and individual, who donated supplies of water, medical supplies, freight and those who provided tents, tables, etc.; Those individuals who provided accommodation for the veterinarians from overseas.

• The team that provided morning tea and lunches; the resort that hosted the Veterinarian Team for lunch and activities on their day off and all those folks who undertook to foster some of the animals at SPCA to free up necessary space in hospital cages.

It is far from easy to undertake these neutering campaigns and I believe organisations such as the SPCA, Animals Fiji, the Greater Good Foundation, and others deserve all the recognition and support they deserve.

This and future neutering campaigns provide an excellent opportunity for municipal councils and responsible animal owners to effectively and humanely address the stray dog issue in Fiji.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj