Spaying Campaign-Uruguay Dogs Overpopulation

In 2024, the Spay and Neuter Project aimed to address the overpopulation of stray animals in our community by providing accessible and free of charge sterilization services as a critical policy in reducing animal abandonment and improving the overall health and well-being of pets and strays in our area.  The shelter´s current dog population is 330.  This year we received 160 animals, 70%  of them were abandoned puppies.  Unfortunately, the survival rate of the puppies were low. The number of adoptions was 140.  

Key Achievements

• Number of Procedures Completed: Over 2,000 animals were successfully sterilized this year.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educational efforts reached over a 150 kids from local schools,  emphasizing the importance of spay and neuter practices.
• Collaboration: We partnered with the municipality to maximize the program's reach and effectiveness.

Challenges Encountered

• Limited Resources: The high demand for procedures often exceeded our capacity, resulting in waiting lists.
• Funding Constraints: Insufficient funds restricted the number of free or subsidized surgeries we could offer, impacting low-income families most.
• Cultural Barriers: Despite educational efforts, some residents remain resistant to the concept of sterilization due to traditional beliefs or misinformation.

Future Goals

• Expand Capacity: Increase the number of procedures by acquiring additional resources and strengthening partnerships.
• Secure More Funding: Work with donors and organizations like GlobalGiving to ensure sustainable support for the project.
• Enhance Community Outreach: Develop targeted campaigns to address cultural resistance and educate the community further.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our supporters, including donors, volunteers, and veterinary professionals, who made this year's achievements possible. Your contributions are transforming lives—both human and animal—and creating a brighter future for our community.