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The Hope Projects - The Hope-Martin Neutering Bus |
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Apr 26, 2009 |
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OUR GOAL
The single most important thing that we can do to save animals from all the suffering and death that their overpopulation
causes
is to spay and neuter them. Just one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies. So every time we
spay or
neuter just one animal, we prevent the births of thousands of animals. Our goal is to reduce the overpopulation of
unwanted dogs
while educating pet owners about the wonderful benefits of having their dog neutered. By 2009 we aim to
have neutered 5,000
dogs; this is approximately the same amount that are gassed at the Animal Control Centre in Barbados
each year. We are the
only charity on the island doing a project like this on this scale. |
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The Hope Sanctuary believes in a no kill policy. We need to reduce the animal population in Barbados. Thanks to one
donation
from a generous individual, Mr. Tony Martin we have purchased and built the bus and will cover the fees to run and
maintain this
animal neutering and education facility. From this one fund, we will also pay the wages of a professional and
experienced team
of staff to operate this project. |
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The Hope Sanctuary personally designed the bus to save
money and the actual clinic part of the bus was built locally
in
Barbados – again, saving money by eliminating the import
costs.
OUR MOTTO
“Putting the humane back into human”
Every year approximately 5,000 dogs are sent to their death
at
the Animal Control Unit. Thousands more end up run over,
drowned and starved to death. There are too many dogs and
not
enough homes!
There is a solution! Neuter your dog!
HOW IT WORKS
The bus will travel to villages within Barbados where 6-8
dogs
within that area require neutering. If someone only has
one
dog, it is their responsibility, as part of their community,
to source local friends and neighbours who also want their
dogs
neutered. |
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Inside the Hope-Martin Neutering Bus |
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Our team will assess if these dogs are legible for neutering.
We can ONLY neuter dogs if we feel the owner can not afford
to pay a private vet. If they can afford to pay a private vet –
they should contact their local veterinary clinic directly.
THE PROCESS
The dog will be collected by the bus and the owner signs a
disclaimer giving The Hope authorisation to continue with the
operation. The animal is then given a pre-med to calm them
down to wait in the out-cages until they are ready for the
operation. They are then injected with the safest and most
modern anaesthetic to put them to sleep during the short
procedure – bitches take approximately half an hour and
dogs approximately fifteen minutes. The vets use sterile
surgical kits to perform the operation and use dissolvable
stitches. During, they are given an additional pain killer to
ease their discomfort when they awake.
Finally, they are given a long lasting antibiotic to deter
possible infections. The dog is monitored in the kennel whilst
it recovers.
They are then cleaned, de-ticked, de-flea’ed and
are given a fresh bill of health before being taken home. |
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Operating Table |
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost of the operation such as this is about $200.00 if
performed by a local vet. Bear in mind, veterinarians in the
UK
and USA typically charge around $1000-$15000 for the
same
operation. We at The Hope are asking for the minimum
fee of
$25 for a dog castration and the same for a bitch
spay. It’s an
additional mandatory $5 for a life-long dog
license – only $30 in
total. Please be aware that it is illegal if
you do not have a
licence for your dog. Remember, we will
only neuter a dog if
the owner can not afford to pay a
private vet. At such a low
cost, Barbadians should take
advantage of this offer.
FURTHER EDUCATION
Not only do our neutering team just neuter – we also supply
helpful information. Not all dog owners have the same
circumstances. Upon assessment, we will advise on
nutrition,
exercise, hygiene – a simple guide to the best and
most cost-effective ways to keep a happy healthy dog.
We are always at
hand for advice.
QUESTIONS ABOUT NEUTERING
Neutering is not natural! Although it is natural for animals
to reproduce, it is our responsibility to ensure that unwanted
dogs
are not born into a world without homes. Ever since we
domesticated dogs, we changed their ‘natural’ environment.
In doing so, we became accountable for their lives and those
they create. Irresponsible pet owners allow their pets to
breed
uncontrollably which leads to thousands of dogs being
put down
every year in the island. Therefore, it is more
natural and kinder
to neuter pets.
Will my pet become fat and lazy once he or she is
neutered? No. Pets become lazy and fat because as a
result
of overeating and lack of exercise, not from neutering.
I don’t want to get my dog neutered. It’s purebred.
Currently, there are too many purebred dogs in Barbados.
Many purebred dogs in Barbados suffer from inbreeding or
just plain poor breeding practices resulting in sick animals. |
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Many of
the dogs inherit genetic problems and poor immune systems. Popular breeds such as the Japanese Akita were never
designed
to live in the tropics and as a result have many more medical problems than the average cross-breed dog. Sadly,
every time you
spend money on a purebred dog, you are denying an unwanted dog, and in many cases a healthier dog a
good home.
Will my dog be a better guard dog? YES! Neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instinct to guard the home and family.
A dog’s personality is formed more by genetics and environment rather than sex hormones! Most dogs actually become
BETTER guard dogs as they are more focused on you and your property rather than on mating with other dogs in the
neighbourhood. |
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I just want to have one litter first. Medical evidence
shows that females spayed before their first heat are
generally healthier.
In addition, the longer a female goes
unspayed, the greater the likelihood of developing mammary
tumours or uterine infections.
In addition, that one litter can
lead to over hundreds of unwanted pets in the future. The
cycle must be stopped!
ADVANTAGES OF NEUTERING YOUR PET
• Pets are less inclined to roam or fight: This will result in
• fewer dog bites and animal related traffic accidents in the
• island.
• They become more protective of the house and vigilant of
• their surroundings.
• Neutering can make your pet more affectionate and more
• protective of you.
• Neutering can be done as early as six months of age. In
• some countries it is done at two weeks. |
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• In males, neutering reduces the chances of developing testicular and prostrate cancer.
• Spayed females have a lesser likelihood of developing mammary tumours and pyometra (a potentially deadly infection in
• the uterus common in many pets in Barbados).
• Neutering reduces the overpopulation of unwanted dogs in the island.
• The lifespan of your pet can be increased substantially.
• Having a dog neutered helps remove any likelihood of a visit by aggressive and unwelcome dogs.
• Last but not least, neutering your pet can potentially save the lives of countless pets and provide unwanted dogs the
• opportunity to find loving families. |
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Please click here to download our neutering leaflet!
Contact Us
Want us to visit your community?
To schedule an appointment and for all queries relating to neutering and cruelty information, please call:
Tel. (246) 271-4451
For any other inquiries, please contact:
The Hope Sanctuary
Tel. (246) 266-0986
Email. info@thehopesanctuary.com |
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