PAWS for Change: Help Roaming Dogs in Peru

Street dogs in Cusco, Peru are a common sight in the city's streets and plazas. These dogs, known as "perros callejeros" in Spanish, are often seen wandering the streets and begging for food.

While some may view these street dogs as a nuisance, they have actually been a part of Cusco's history for centuries. In fact, it is believed that the Inca people kept dogs as companions and used them for hunting and guarding.

Despite their long history in the city, street dogs in Cusco face many challenges. Many of these dogs are not spayed or neutered, leading to overpopulation and increased competition for food and shelter. This can also lead to aggression and fights among the dogs, putting both dogs and humans at risk.

In recent years, efforts have been made to address the issue of street dogs in Cusco. Local organizations, such as Paws have implemented spay and neuter programs to help control the population of street dogs. In addition, PAWS offers medical care for street dogs in need as well as dogs in shelters.

Overall, street dogs in Cusco are a reminder of the city's rich cultural history and the bond between humans and animals. While their presence on the streets may be challenging, it is important to recognize the efforts being made to address their needs and to find solutions that benefit both the dogs and the communities.

We have expanded our work to support more dog shelters by providing healthcare and neutering to their dogs and cats. Many shelters in Cusco are overpopulated and underfunded so our free services supporting the welfare of the rescued animals is vital. With this great need in shelters, we provide general veterinary health, deworming, vaccination scheme, vitamins and veterinary consultations.

In the shelters we have also had the support of our volunteers who have worked hard to keep the animals clean, healthy and, most importantly, restoring trust in the human being through games and lots of love. We have also been able to purchase a number of beds for the dogs so they can rest and sleep in comfort.

We have also been working in areas known for having a high level of birth and large populations of stray dogs and cats. This can be challenging as our work needs to be with the community leaders and people to educate them on caring for their animals and responsible ownership of dogs. We have been knocking door to door, handing out leaflets and talking about the importance of neutering animals to slow the population growth and limit the number of dogs suffering on the streets.

Without a doubt, it has been a year of many challenges and achievements that could not have been achieved without you. You've already made a valuable difference in our community. Keep an eye out for future updates about how you've helped.