A little-known fact by the public is that most animal companions become community animals. Maybe it’s because some families can’t take care of them anymore or, worse, they get tired of them once the animals grow up. In the end, the animals become unhomed .
Here in the Philippines, the local government’s way to control their population is to send them to the pound, which does nothing to solve the root problem.
A PAWS-itive proposition
Like other animal organizations, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) recommends spaying and neutering programs for companion animals.This is a part of their mission to prevent animal cruelty and provide sustainable solutions to unhomed animals’ population issue.
Since 2009, PAWS has been providing a cheap spay-neuter (kapon) program for animal companions. They also offer free kapon for the animal companions of less-privileged humans.
In addition, all the animals in the PAWS shelter have already been spayed or neutered, and they are also available for adoption.
PAWS believes that the long-term solution to animals having no human homes is providing affordable kapon programs.
“Kapon for all Pets”
In observance of World Spay Day on Feb. 22, 2022, PAWS launched Kapon for all Pets, a three-way collaboration between their organization, local government units (LGUs), and veterinarian clinics that aims to provide affordable or free spay and neuter procedures for the animal companions of residents .
Participant LGUs will be included in PAWS’ list of progressive kapon-friendly cities and municipalities. This list will be put up on PAWS’ social media page on Feb. 22.
Win-win
The idea of making sure animals get the care they need is enough reason for everyone to support this initiative, but there are other incentives.
The first ten LGUs to implement the program will receive Php 50,000 worth of surgery materials from PAWS,not to mention a plaque of recognition as “Pioneer KAPON FOR ALL PETS LGU Partner.”
According to PAWS, this program is proof that public and private organizations can partner up for the sake of animals.
The program will have the participating vet clinics working alongside their respective LGUs and will provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for those who will have their animal companions spayed or neutered.
1) Animals are not gifts. Animal companions who are gifted to family members could end up becoming unhomed once the recipient realizes they’re not ready to take care of them.
2) Neutering helps animals. Not only does neutering prevent animals from reproducing if they do become unhomed, but it also helps prevent many reproductive diseases.
