A groundbreaking sterilization campaign for stray dogs is set to take place on the island of Rodrigues from October 5-11. A team of Mauritian veterinarians, led by Manishi Doolub Gaungoo, president and founder of the NGO Well-being of Strays, will collaborate with local associations to sterilize, vaccinate, and microchip approximately 500 stray dogs. The campaign aims to address the growing issue of stray dogs on the island, with an estimated population of 10,000.

The campaign is a first of its kind on the island of Rodrigues, and veterinarians believe it is a crucial step in managing the stray dog population. According to Dr. Keshav Jeetah, a volunteer veterinarian, the initiative responds to the pressing issue of stray dogs on the island. The team will focus on six regions: Anse-aux-Anglais, Coromandel, La Ferme, Mont-Lubin, Port-Sud-Est, and Saint-François.

Preparations for the campaign are underway, with a team of veterinarians set to arrive on Rodrigues on September 30 to prepare for the operation. The campaign will run for seven days, with specific dates allocated for each region. On October 5, the team will work in Anse-aux-Anglais, followed by Coromandel on October 6, La Ferme on October 7, and Mont-Lubin on October 8 and 9.

The sterilization campaign is a collaborative effort between Well-being of Strays and local associations. Manishi Doolub Gaungoo expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that her team has been in contact with local NGOs to ensure a smooth operation. The campaign also aims to provide vaccinations and microchipping for the stray dogs.

The issue of stray dogs on Rodrigues is a pressing concern, with an estimated 10,000 animals roaming the island. The campaign's target of 500 animals is a significant step towards managing the population. However, the registration of animals will not be part of this operation, as the necessary procedures are not yet finalized on Rodrigues.

The campaign has garnered support from local communities, with residents expressing their appreciation for the initiative. The team of veterinarians will work tirelessly to ensure the success of the campaign, which is expected to have a positive impact on the island's stray dog population.

The sterilization campaign is a significant milestone in the efforts to manage stray dog populations in Mauritius. The initiative demonstrates the commitment of Mauritian veterinarians and local associations to addressing animal welfare issues on the island. The campaign's success will be closely monitored, and its impact assessed in the coming months.

Key points

  • The campaign aims to sterilize, vaccinate, and microchip 500 stray dogs on the island of Rodrigues.
  • The estimated stray dog population on Rodrigues is around 10,000 animals.
  • The campaign is a collaborative effort between Well-being of Strays and local associations.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.