Monday, February 3, 2014
YESTERDAY marked the first day of Operation Potcake, the massive, island-wide spay and neuter campaign powered by the Bahamas Humane Society, BAARK, the Veterinary Medicine Association of the Bahamas, local volunteers, vets and helpers.
People from across the New Providence came out to the various clinics to have their pets fixed for free.
The total number of cats and dogs spayed or neutered on day one was 296.
The very successful first instalment of the programme, endorsed by Prime Minister Perry Christie and other senior government officials, saw more than 2,000 animals treated.
Among those taking part are volunteer vets and vet techs from several countries including the US, Switzerland, England, and the Canary Islands.
According to local experts, spay and neuter programmes are the only practical solution to the country’s stray and roaming dog problem.
There is no charge, and animals left in the morning can go back home the same afternoon.
The point is to be “quick, easy and efficient,” Humane Society president Kim Aranha said.
The three dog clinics are on East Street, Kemp Road and Carmichael Road.
The cat clinic at the Bahamas Humane Society shelter in Chippingham.
Operation Potcake continues until Thursday, February 8.
Comments
JohnDoes says...
also as dumb as the road works that take place in the middle of the day when the most amount of traffic/cars is on the road.
Posted 3 February 2014, 1:53 p.m. Suggest removal
proudloudandfnm says...
SO are they only working on dogs that have owners? Cause that is not our problem. Our problem are dogs that have no owners and roam our streets. So how does that work? Capture them, spay or neuter and then let em go? Back to roam the streets?
And who is paying for these dog owners to have their pets worked on? Is this costing us tax payers anything? If so stop it now. Let the owners fix their own damned animals....
Posted 3 February 2014, 2:45 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
They are working on strays as well. Done quite a few so far. Even started on the stray cat population. I'm only familiar with the cats because my wife is helping. I believe they have done about 200 so far. Also, everything is done free. No one has to pay anything.
Generally, animals that are spayed become non-hostile. It's a humane way of lowering the population. Some owners can't afford to get their pets spayed. This program is to educate the public about owning a pet and to get the numbers reduced. I think its a great thing. Last year they did around 2,200 dogs. This number was achieved in one week.
Dogs also roam the streets during the day. This is why trapping is done at that particular time. Cats are trapped in the early mornings as that is when they come out (5-6).
Posted 4 February 2014, 9:43 a.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
I'm sure they go those times as well. As I said, my wife goes for the cats and they trap dogs as well. I'm sure doing over 2,000 last year they know what they are doing. It will take some time to get the population of strays down.
Posted 4 February 2014, 11:26 a.m. Suggest removal
Emac says...
I was looking forward to this program. I would like to get involved as there are surrounding neighbours (mostly Haitian villages) that have many stray dogs that are a nuisance to the area.
Posted 4 February 2014, 2:07 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
My wife is saying that if you call the Human Society, they should give you a clinic number close to your location. Just let them know you are calling for the Operation Potcake project.
Posted 4 February 2014, 3:16 p.m. Suggest removal
Emac says...
Thank you for your response. I am aware of the clinic near me. The problem is I don't have any experience in catching stray dogs and I don't have any cages to put them in once caught. However, I would be willing to tag along with a team to assist in such an operation in my area.
Posted 4 February 2014, 4:55 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
Sounds great. Once you call the clinic near you, they will come with traps. I'm sure they wouldn't mind the extra help.
Posted 5 February 2014, 8:35 a.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
I can understand your points. Which areas are you talking about? Perhaps I can let my wife know and she can relay the message. Or you can call as well. The more they know, hopefully the more they can help. We can agree to disagree :).
Posted 5 February 2014, 8:39 a.m. Suggest removal
jlg23432 says...
This is such an amazing initiative and although it is impossible for them to trap and fix EVERY stray, this will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the stray population over time. THANK YOU to all who contribute to this effort!!!
Posted 4 February 2014, 1:08 p.m. Suggest removal
Log in to comment