Local Animal Welfare Charity Baark! spays and neuters 101 dogs and cats in Mangrove Cay
Baark!’s (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) outreach to the Family Islands continued with the most recent clinic being held in Mangrove Cay, Andros on the 15th-17th of March 2013. On the heels of extremely successful “Operation Potcake” in January this year, Baark! extended it’s efforts to host a low cost spay and neuter clinic in Little Harbour, Mangrove Cay.
During Operation Potcake, Mr. Lionel Rolle of Mangrove Cay approached Baark volunteers about the animal overpopulation in Mangrove Cay and asked for assistance. Following the success of previous Baark! clinics in Fresh Creek and Cargill Creek, Andros, traveling south to Mangrove Cay was a perfect fit to Baark!’s continued efforts in Andros.
Rick Goodlander, an Andros resident, shared, “It is so great putting together these clinics and seeing the community members partnering with Baark! by donating accommodation, lunches, transport and a clinic site. People who had their pets spayed or neutered contributed what they could afford towards the costs”
The goal of 60 sterilizations was impressively exceeded. Dr. Dorsett of Nassau Pet Clinic was extremely pleased with the results, “In total we spayed and neutered 101 dogs and cats. A combination of stray and owned pets” One of the positive impacts of spay and neuter clinics is the educational benefits. Dr. Smith of Marathon Pet Clinic, “People spend a lot of time with us at the clinic, observing what we do. It’s great when the kids of the community come down and check out what is going on. It is an opportunity for them to learn about animal care and having compassion towards dogs and cats.”
Captain Joshua Green of Mangrove Cay, who adopted a puppy that we had found over the weekend told us, “watching you guys throughout the weekend, and seeing the love you all have for the animals has changed my point of view.” He also thanked us for coming to help the community and the people in the community, saying, “This is the best thing to happen on Mangrove Cay for a very long time”.
Baark! is continuing its Family Island spay/neuter campaign outreach with clinics scheduled for Eleuthera in April and San Salvador in May. Baark! feels strongly about assisting the family islands, especially those that do not have access to a vet on a regular basis. Through spay, neuter and education we can attain a day when animals no longer suffer in The Bahamas.
As Baark! relies solely on donated funds, they are hosting its first annual Purple Paws Live Auction to raise money on April 27th at the Ocean Club Estates Beach Club. Chairman of Baark!, Laura Kimble is very excited about the event, “We are bringing in a professional auctioneer from Florida and amazing prizes are going to be up for the taking. We’ll have a range of values so everyone can participate in the bidding!”
Baark! encourages all pet owners to spay/neuter both their dogs and cats. Baark! can help with financing or transportation for low income families.
If you would like to learn more, volunteer or ask questions visit their website www.baarkbahamas.org or call 427-SPAY.
