World Spay Day 2021!
Usually, a lot of us veterinary travellers would be raising awareness of this day from somewhere abroad, but in the weird time that we are in, it's a day to reflect from home on the sheer importance of neutering and trap neuter release projects. It's a day to realise just how effective and necessary these missions are, especially now, a year later when we are noticing a real change and drastic increase of numbers of stray dogs and cats abroad.
Why is neutering important?
What is happening now?
Around the world, places that have not recieved volunteer help in the past year are already seeing the effects of a lack of neutering projects. Charities and rescues are full to the brim with stray dogs and cats, numbers of strays on the streets has risen dramatically, there are puppy and kitten 'booms' and an increase in the devastating spread of diseases like calicivirus and panleukopenia which end the lives of kittens at young ages.
It is heart-breaking as a volunteer to see a lot of the hard work from so many of us be set back due to a year of not being able to help. But we must remember that this won't be forever, and that as soon as we can, we can get back on track!
All of the places I have volunteered in the past, which I assume is the same around the globe at the moment, are working their hardest to try and do as much neutering as they can but it's sometimes impossible - a big factor is time. A lot of the charities (if they are lucky enough to have a full time vet) will have their vet doing checks, treating medical inpatients, treating patients for injuries or wounds, and treating emergency admits to the rescue, as well as doing a lot of organising for rehoming, vaccinating, and basically anything and everything that keeps a rescue running - the list is endless!
This day should highlight the heroes that are doing everything they can to keep the mission alive and help keep these animals and the people in their communities safe!
What can I do to help?
If you are a member of the public, consider donating to a charity which supports TNR (Trap Neuter Release). You could either donate money, or perhaps a bag of dog or cat food, or even consider a bake sale or another fundraising event.
If you are a veterinary surgeon, or veterinary nurse or technician, depending on where in the world you are and if travel is possible at the moment, consider contacting a charity abroad and seeing if you can volunteer for them. And if you aren't able to travel at the moment, consider planning a trip for when it becomes possible!
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and when the ban on international travel is lifted, charities will be crying out for help around the globe. If you can lend a hand, even for just a week, it would mean the world to not only the people working at the rescues full time, but the animals in their care and on the streets and the local communities.