Bring those cats, dogs

By Wathsala Mendis

The population explosion is not just con- fined to us human beings. Especially where multiparous (producing more than one offspring at a time) domestic animals like cats and dogs are concerned, this has become a huge problem, compounded by the threat of rabies.

The usual method of gassing strays to keep the population in check, has been criticised as inhumane. It then falls to organisations like the Animal Welfare and Protection Association (AWPA) to undertake the worthy task of sterilizing cats and dogs free of charge.

Started in 1992 and conducted once a month, the aim of this campaign is "the eradication of rabies through birth control." The AWPA, which has a membership of 550, with the help of veterinary surgeons and students of Peradeniya University, has so far sterilized nearly 600 animals.

The Association is affiliated to the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in London and receives a grant from them, 50 percent of which is to be used for the sterilization campaign. The rest of their funds comes through donations and numerous fund-raising activities.

A campaign in Colombo costs around Rs.10,000-12,000, whereas in the outstations, it's a bit higher- around Rs.20,000 -as it also includes immunization. The public is informed through banners and leaflets. The AWPA has so far conducted sterilization campaigns in Pathana, Wariyapola, and Teldeniya in addition to Colombo.

The AWPA maintains an Animal Transit Home in Dehiwela where nearly 85 stray cats and dogs are housed and taken care of by four workers. They clean the kennels, feed them, not forgetting vitamins, and bathe them twice a week. The Home receives 12 "dhanes" per month and depends solely on the donations of well-wishers for its maintenance, which is around Rs. 40,000 a month. A veterinarian visits the Home regularly and the animals are immunized once a year.

"There are lots of complaints from the neighbours, especially about the noise," says Hemantha Jayathilake, President of the AWPA. "Otherwise the place is kept clean and the refuse is well disposed of."

The AWPA is taking its message of "Responsible Pet Ownership" to schools as well. On World Animal Day (October 4) they conducted a seminar for the Girl Guides of Musaeus College. At these seminars children are alerted of many sad practices that pet owners follow, which should be taboo. They are advised on how animals should be looked after.

When The Sunday Times visited the Animal Transit Home last Saturday, a sterilization campaign was in full swing. A team of 15, including four veterinary surgeons and students from Peradeniya University, were hard at work, with AWPA members providing them with much-needed support. The pets, some in their owners' arms, some timid and some defiant,, were waiting their turn.

Those keen to get their pets sterilized can register at the Animal Transit Home at 107 Kadawatha Road, Dehiwela. And those who'd like to give a helping hand to this worthy cause are more than welcome to pay a visit, say the AWPA.

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