• The initiative is part of the celebration of the International Day of Biological Diversity
Quito, May 8, 2024 (Quito Informa). – The Animal Welfare Unit (UBA), with the collaboration of the Andean Cóndor Foundation and veterinary students from the San Francisco University of Quito, carries out a sterilization and deworming campaign, during May, in the Chocó Andino.
The objective is to promote responsible ownership of pets and contribute to the conservation of wildlife.
The activities include awareness raising, deworming and free sterilization, according to the following schedule.
- La Armenia neighborhood of Nanegalito: May 8 and 11.
- Nanegal: May 15 and 18.
- Communal houses of Pacto and Gualea: May 22 and 25.
During the first intervention carried out in the commune of Santa Elena de Nanegalito, the community was sensitized about the importance of responsibly caring for companion animals to preserve wildlife. Likewise, 58 animals were dewormed and 34 sterilized, to control canine and feline overpopulation.
According to the Municipal Code for the Metropolitan District of Quito, feral or feral animals are those that belong to a domesticated species and that, after being abandoned, survive without human supervision.
This reality is experienced in the peripheral areas of Quito, such as the Chocó Andino, where dogs and cats are victims of poor ownership and are abandoned, having to look for food in the Andean moors. This affects ecosystems, since feral dogs can represent a threat to wildlife, production animals and the Andean condor. In the latter case, they compete for the food available in the moor, disturbing the food chain by not allowing them access to carrion.
Neutering offers significant benefits to dogs and cats, as well as the community at large. Some of these benefits are:
- Avoid pyometras in females: sterilization reduces the risk of serious uterine infections in dogs
- Prevent unexpected litters: by sterilizing animals, unplanned reproduction and overpopulation are avoided
- Control of health problems: sterilization helps prevent problems such as territorial marking and prostate tumors in males.
Recommendations for sterilization:
Before the procedure, the following is recommended:
- Good health: the animals should not show symptoms of decline or related to any disease.
- Deworming: Animals must be dewormed
- Up-to-date vaccinations: It is important that pets have their vaccinations up to date.
- Prior fasting: Animals must fast for 8 hours before the procedure.
- Ideal age: Sterilization is recommended from 4 months of age.
Residents of the area who need more information can contact the Animal Welfare Promoter, Lucero Villagómez at 098 431 1824 and follow social networks such as @UBA_Quito.
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The UBA develops a sterilization campaign in the Chocó Andino
