South African vets carry out sterilization campaign to control stray cats, dogs on Praslin

The sterilisation process lasts about an hour. (Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - With the aim of reducing the population of stray cats and dogs on Seychelles’ second-most populated island, Praslin, South African vets are carrying out a free week-long sterilisation campaign.

The process lasts about an hour to carry out a population-control procedure that normally costs between $23 to $59 (300 to 800 Seychelles rupees).

The campaign, which ends on Saturday, is the brainchild of South African citizen Marlene Deneeghere, who has been coming to the Seychelles archipelago in the western Indian Ocean for over 10 years.

“I noticed the number of strays were increasing and thought that since the island is small, maybe we can make a difference to the community by reducing the populations of kittens and pups,” said Deneeghere.

Praslin has a population of around 7,000 inhabitants and among them, many are pet owners. The island has only one veterinarian and the Seychelles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (SSPCA), which has a permanent office only on Mahe, the main island. 

The team operating in an open-air surgery at Cote d'Or on Praslin. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo    License: CC-BY

On an elevated stage overlooking the football pitch at Cote d'Or, five volunteers are sterilising female dogs and cats.

Although the team is operating in an open-air surgery, the chief surgeon of the campaign, Marc Walton, said the team is being as professional as possible.

“We emphasise on sterilisation and sanitation as this is very important to prevent infections after the dogs have had the surgery.”

Gary Didon overseeing the sterilisation of his dog - Bruna. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Garry Didon, the owner of Bruna --  a brown female dog -- told SNA, “She is still two years, has had miscarriages before and only recently gave birth to seven puppies, so I thought it will be good for her.” 

Several cats were also treated in the first few days of the campaign.

Deneeghere, who is a volunteer and a committee member of Hermanus Welfare Society based in Cape Town, South Africa, has highlighted a lack of education on how to take care of animals as something that local organisations can target.

Walton, who is also from the Hermanus Welfare Society, said that several of the dogs had fleas and ticks.

One of the pet owners from Praslin who took advantage of the free sterilisation campaign. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

The marketing and public relations coordinator of Seychelles Hotel and Tourism Association, Nathalie Du Buisson, says the activity has been possible due to donations and collaborations from the tourism industry on the island.

“If this week is a success they will need to come again as dogs and cats give birth several times during a year,” says Du Buisson.

A similar exercise was also held on La Digue last year where in three days 90 dogs and a few cats were sterilised.