September 16, 2011
Fundacion VidAnimal
Fundación VidAnimal was established in May, 1999 for the purpose of helping animals in and around the city of Cali, Colombia. Throughout the years, VidAnimal has made great gains through educational activities, spay/neuter programs, and promotion of better animal welfare legislation.
The organization’s project, "The Kids' Network for the Protection of the Animals of Montebello," was designed to teach the poverty-stricken children of Montebello, Colombia, values through animal protection. Created by a local university teacher and taught by veterinarians, the project gave children an opportunity to learn about careers in animal welfare.
VidAnimal's president, Cecilia Ochoa, has attended HSI's/The HSUS's annual Animal Care Expo on several occasions. During one of her visits, Ms. Ochoa participated in our Animal Care Expo internship program, spending a week at a U.S. shelter, where she learned new methods for running a successful animal welfare organization.
In February 2008, Vidanimal stepped up to the challenge of participating in HSI's first Spay Day and organized an innovative outreach project.
VidAnimal continues to raise awareness to help working horses who are abused and neglected. In Cali, as in many other cities in Colombia, it is common to see working horses pulling carts that are far too heavy. Horses do not belong on city streets, as shown by the constant collisions with vehicles or the many cases when the horse is dragged by the cart when the animal cannot carry the heavy load all the way up or down a bridge. VidAnimal helps shed light on the desperate need for taking these horses off the streets and placing them with sanctuaries or loving adoptive farms.
In addition to their equine work, VidAnimal is a firm believer in and supporter of spay/neuter as a mean to reduce the overpopulation of homeless companion animals, helping to prevent the suffering of thousands of animals who would otherwise be born in the street.
VidAnimal was selected as an HSI Animal Advocate in 2001.
Fundación VidAnimal
Avenida Tercera Oeste # 7-35
Barrio Santa Rita, Cali
Valle del Cauca
Colombia
Tel: +572-892-7325
Fax: +572-892-6079
Email: ceciochoa@emcali.net.co