From October 5 to 13, the ambitious yet realistic goal set by Dr. Keshav Jeetah was to examine, spay or neuter, and microchip approximately 500 animals as part of a spay/neuter campaign. Aimed at stray or unsterilized animals throughout Rodrigues, this initiative seeks to initiate a sustainable response to the animal population explosion on the island. Taysiir Joomun
“Through our discussions with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA), local stakeholders, and residents, we have observed that there is a large population of dogs and cats on Rodrigues, with many stray or unsterilized animals,” said Dr. Jeetah, a veterinarian and director of MYVET. This campaign, supported by the NGO Well-Being of Strays, was carried out by a team of Mauritian veterinarians in collaboration with the RRA to launch a sustainable program of spaying, neutering, microchipping, and follow-up care. The goal: to reduce the number of stray animals and unwanted litters in the long term.
For this campaign, open to all dogs and cats on Rodrigues, a major effort was made to assist homeless animals. For these animals, which can sometimes be difficult to catch, the field teams were well-equipped with capture traps and veterinary blowguns loaded with tranquilizer darts, used by veterinarians who made it a point to prioritize the animals’ safety and well-being. Launched in the wake of campaigns carried out across the territory to curb the proliferation of stray dogs—the total number of which stands at approximately 300,000 in Mauritius alone— this campaign also aims to integrate sterilization into a broader prevention strategy.
According to the doctor, it also serves as a reminder that the benefits of spaying extend beyond reproduction. In female pets, this procedure helps prevent certain serious uterine infections and reduces the risk of mammary tumors. For our male pets, it eliminates the risk of testicular diseases and reduces the likelihood of certain prostate problems. Beyond the individual benefits, this campaign aims to set in motion a broader movement. It is a first step toward ensuring that, both on the streets and in homes across Rodrigues, dogs and cats can find their place in a more supportive environment.
