Africa-Press – Mauritius. A series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, today, between the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW) and eight representatives of veterinary clinics and veterinary surgeons, namely: All Life Matters Animal Sanctuary; Animalia Clinic; Veterinaire Mtius; My vet; Angel Touch veterinary Clinic; Vetcross; Dr Sandra Brkić Troylukho; and Dr Amantoolah Jahangeer.
The signatory for the MSAW was its Director, Mr Julien George. The aim is to establish the terms and conditions between the parties to provide for the mass sterilisation campaign project and registration of dogs.
The Attorney, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Maneesh Gobin; the Chairman of the MSAW, Mr Didier Pursun; and other personalities were present on this occasion.
In a statement, Minister Gobin highlighted that veterinary clinics and surgeons would be playing a key part in the mass sterilisation project to be conducted by the MSAW. He observed that the project would consist of a survey on the number of unsterilised and unowned dogs across Mauritius.
Thereafter, underlined Mr Gobin, a component termed as Catch-Neuter-Release would be implemented in all residential areas with the objective to curb the growth of the dog population in a more humane, efficient and cost-effective manner.
The benefits of the project would be the control of the stray dog population, elimination of pack gatherings, decrease in the number of aggressions and curbing of illegal breeding.
The Minister observed that, as there were not enough veterinary surgeons in the public service, the help of private veterinary clinics and surgeons had been sought for the sterilisation exercise.
He further expressed hope that additional private veterinary surgeons would sign an MoU with the MSAW so as to ensure the smooth running of the sterilisation campaign in Mauritius.
Furthermore, Minister Gobin recalled that veterinary surgeons were ‘rare commodities’, and that only 20 out of the 100 or so in practice were employed in the public service.
“As such,” he indicated, “a private-public collaboration is needed so as to ensure that the sterilisation campaign runs smoothly and is successful.
” He also stated that he had impressed on the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology to include veterinary sciences as a priority subject for tertiary education, and this was done earlier this year.
For his part, MSAW’s Chairman underscored that this private-public partnership had long been awaited and emphasised that, according to the legislation in force, the MSAW was mandated to control the population of stray dogs in the country.
He added that the MSAW Council had, over discussions, agreed that this objective could only be attained through a well-structured collaboration with private veterinaries and clinics.
Mass sterilisation campaign The MSAW, in partnership with veterinarians and veterinary clinics, is launching a free sterilisation campaign for dogs across the island.
This collaboration is a first of its kind in Mauritius since the objective of the mass sterilisation campaign is to decentralise free sterilisation throughout the island so that owners can take full advantage of the project by choosing a veterinarian or an accredited clinic in their area so as to have their animal neutered.
It is recalled that this project would not have been possible without funds from the National Environment and Climate Change Fund whose objective is to make Mauritius a sustainable island.
Below are some benefits of the programme, namely: It is not necessary to go there to make an appointment, everything is done online; You can choose the veterinarian or the accredited clinic in your area to sterilise your dog;
On the day of sterilisation, your dog is registered thanks to the microchip implant. The MSAW makes sure to send you the original registration certificate by post; and You minimise the risks associated with moving your pet by choosing a veterinarian or clinic in your area.
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