Following previous successful sterilization campaigns in Nassau and Eleuthera, Baark! (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) joined with ANCAT (Andros Conservancy and Trust) for a free spay and neuter clinic in Fresh Creek, Andros.
For the three-day clinic beginning on May 25th 2012, three Baark! volunteers and Dr Dorsett from Nassau Veterinary Clinic traveled to Andros by ferry. Bahamas Ferries generously donated their tickets in support of the campaign, along with a return ticket for the Baark! truck, which is an essential vehicle for the transporting dogs back and forth.
Over the course of the weekend a total of 51 animals were spayed and neutered which was a combination of pre-made appointments, drop-ins, collections and trapping. Rick Goodlander, a local resident who helped organize and advertise the clinic said “time flew by and Central Andros was profoundly impacted. You can measure in numbers the quantity of spay/neuters, but you cannot measure the enormous long term and generational impact that this event and all the educational information shared will have on the community.”
Shelley Hardman from Baark! said how delighted they were with the hospitality and support received from the Fresh Creek community during the clinic. “Spay and neuter is the only way to reduce the population of stray and roaming animals. We were thrilled with how receptive and helpful the neighborhood was to the work we were doing”.
ANCAT had an anonymous donor who gave $1000 towards the cost of the operation. Gabrielle Douglas of ANCAT said of Baark! “The team worked tirelessly and your help with our animals in the Central Andros district is much appreciated and we look forward to hosting your clinic at some time again in the future”.
Baark! would like to return to the area in six months time for a follow up program. For those who would like to volunteer with this clinic or any of the other work Baark does to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas can go to the website www.baarkbahamas.org.
Baark’s next fundraising event will be The Mid-Summer Sunset Party on Saturday June 23rd 2012. It will take place at The Nirvana Beach Resort who have generously donated their venue free of charge. You can support Baark and have a great evening of good food, drink and entertainment by attending this event – more details can also be found on their website. Admission is $10 and can be paid on the door.
