October 28, 2008
HSI Sponsors Veterinary Training, Dog Clinic in Venezuela
Humane Society International has organized a surgical training program for veterinarians in Venezuela. The exchange is part of a program designed to aid a population of stray dogs on the campus of University of Carabobo, Venezuela.
The University of Carabobo borders several communities with large populations of stray animals who search for food and shelter on the university campus. The program is a joint endeavor between HSI and Asoguau, a local animal advocacy organization. So far, 300 of the 470 dogs living on campus have benefited from the program, which has brought veterinarians to perform surgical sterilization procedures to prevent further dog population growth. The animals also receive routine vaccinations, including rabies.
"All animals, whether they are a stray or enjoy the comforts of a loving home, deserve care and attention," said Humane Society International's Jessica Higgins. "These veterinarians are committed to giving these dogs a better life, and Humane Society International stands with them."
This program is different than many others with similar goals in that university students sponsor the non-owned animals. Students who participate get training in animal care and then monitor animals after surgery, alerting Asoguau to any veterinary issues. HSI believes this is a way to promote a more intimate level of community involvement in animal issues. It enriches the lives of the animals, who receive love, attention and more follow up care than a typical homeless animal would in a spay and neuter program.
From Oct. 25-29, Dr. Barry Kellogg, an HSI veterinarian worked side-by-side with the Venezuelan veterinarians, helping them perform spay and neuter surgeries on the homeless dogs on the Carabobo campus and working to enhance the veterinarians' surgical skills.
Humane Society International hopes to continue until all existing campus dogs are spayed or neutered, and then maintain the program at a lower level as new dogs move into the campus. HSI would also like to increase spay/neuter and education rates in the surrounding communities.
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Humane Society International is the international arm of The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at hsi.org.