The operating area of the last clinic held in November 2007 in Pinders Point. Photo: Tohni Blower

Progress report by Tip Burrows as of April 16th, 2008:

Sterilizations:
Monday   42
Tuesday   45
Wednesday  52
Thursday 41

Total: 190  for four days

Surrenders to the HSGB:
Total:  19 puppies, 12 dogs

Transmissible venereal tumours treated:  4 so far  (This is a fatal disease spread through - you guessed it - sex!)  We made sure to have the chemotherapeutic drug on hand so we could treat these dogs instead of putting them down.

One puppy - our favorite Brownie - is being treated for a grapefruit sized abscess on his side.  He is doing much better today and we are hopeful for a full recovery for him. 

The surgeons will be amputating part of a badly injured foot tomorrow, for a very sweet dog named Sassy, who got it caught in something some time ago.  It has not healed properly and is abscessing and causing her considerable pain.  She was treated with pre-surgery antibiotics today to maximize the surgery's potential success. 

We have also treated numerous cases of mange, minor wounds and other parasitic issues.  These animals have never seen a vet in their life, and may never again.  We are trying to get them as healthy as we can to improve their quality of life. 

The end result will be many more healthy dogs and cats in West End!  And far fewer procreating. 

There are a thousand reasons why spaying and neutering is important and why it is the best long term solution to pet over-population. The most important reason of all can be seen in the faces of the innocents who didn't ask to be born in the first place.

Please call the Humane Society with questions or to find out how you can help. 242-352-2477

Please ADOPT. Don't BUY. And don't do either til you are 100% committed to providing that puppy or kitten, cat or dog, with everything they need to live a long, happy, healthy life - with YOU!

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The Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB), in partnership with The Kohn Foundation’s (TKF) Bahamian Animal Rescue Committee (B.A.R.C.) is pleased to announce its next major field spay and neuter clinic to be held April 14-18, 2008, in West End.   The clinic will be held at the Burrows Investments building on Queens Highway (the back road).   The goal is to sterilize at least 250 dogs and cats during the five days of surgeries.   The surgeries will be free to pet owners, and the clinic will include an important educational initiative.   Thanks to the generosity and concern of The West End Foundation, this clinic is fully funded and supported.  

The project, called BARC-ANEW ( Bahamian Animal Rescue Committee - Animal Neutering Education & Welfare) will encompass between 2 and 4 similar clinics per year in various locations on Grand Bahama over the next three years.   In 2007 BARC-ANEW allowed us to sterilize 600 animals in addition to the 400 surgeries done by Grand Bahama vets through our ongoing voucher program.    The mission is to reduce the number of stray, roaming and unwanted dogs and cats by sterilizing as many owned animals as possible.   The project also includes educational opportunities and initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership and compassion for all animals.  

An impressive team has volunteered once again.   HSGB Board Member and local veterinarian Dr. Owen Hanna is providing local support, consultation and assistance, to the U.S. veterinarians and veterinary technicians and assistants, who have graciously agreed to donate a week of their time and expertise to help alleviate the serious pet over-population problem on Grand Bahama.  

We welcome back again Dr. Robin Brennen, of New York City, chief veterinarian for this project, and founder of Pets Without Vets, a non-profit organization.  

HSGB Managing Director Tip Burrows says “This clinic will take us one step closer to realizing our dream of a Grand Bahama with no roaming, diseased, starving dogs and cats and with more responsible and concerned pet owners.”

Residents are encouraged to contact the Humane Society at 352-2477 to make appointments for pets to receive free sterilization during the West End BARC-ANEW spay/neuter clinic.   The HSGB can make arrangements to pick them up and bring them home again if necessary.   Local volunteers are still needed to assist in many areas, please contact the HSGB for more details.   School administrators, teachers, civic groups and interested individuals are welcome to contact HSGB and make arrangements to visit the clinic for educational tours.  

Read a related article HERE

Watch a video related to this campaign HERE