A home for every pet
‘NGOs can assist and support but the cornerstone of eradicating pet overpopulation is a continued and sustained kapon program. The call to action is clear: move from episodic charity to systemic governance that incorporates humane population control into government services.’
EVERY pet deserves a loving home, not a life on the streets.
It has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember — to live in a world without strays. But, how? When?
“Since I was in Grade 4 because it was at that time I was picking up so many kittens from the trash,” said Atty. Anna Cabrera, executive director, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
So, if you ask Anna it can be done and done soon.
PAWS calls on Local Government Units (LGUs) to move beyond relying on one-time kapon outreach activities and sporadic offers of free kapon for male cats and dogs and to address the problem of pet homelessness.
While free spay-neuter programs conducted by animal welfare group and non-governmental organizations (NGO) provide much-needed relief to communities, PAWS proposes a more sustainable, long-term solution: a Kapon for all Pets Program (KfAP).
TOGETHER, we can end pet homelessness — one kapon at a time.
KfAP entails a partnership between private veterinary clinics to provide at least 10 free kapon (spay-neuter) for dogs and cats at their clinic on designated days to service the city or municipality’s indigent pet owners as endorsed by the city veterinarian. In return, the LGU will provide tax or permit incentives and other perks for the participating private veterinarians’ practice. “It is signing on animal health professionals to contribute to caring for animals even in the poorest communities, working hand in hand with the local government.”
Beneficiaries of the City’s free kapon will be documented through photos under the KfAP banner and the LGU logo.
“PAWS wants to jumpstart this program by offering a P50,000 worth of spay-neuter medical supplies as incentive for each of the first 10 LGUs who will sign on to the program and enforce the said ordinance,” says Atty. Anna Cabrera, PAWS executive director.
PAWS believes that the KfAP approach will expand access to spay-neuter services without the need to build new facilities or hire additional personnel, while also supporting local veterinary businesses.
Ending pet homelessness requires political will and a long-term, strategic approach. While the establishment of animal shelters by LGUs is an important step, these facilities become more sustainable and impactful when complemented by comprehensive spay-neuter programs and supportive ordinances that encourage responsible pet ownership and address animal welfare violations.
KfAP helps strays because it stops pet homelessness at the root and makes kapon a procedure that is available for all LGUs with the help of private veterinary practitioners who are more than willing to help their own local community animals, strays and low-income pet owners.
