FIXemALL
FIXemALL is a privately funded program to sterilize stray and community dogs and cats in Hua Hin town and district - a coastal area South of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand, attractive to local and international tourists and retirees. FIXemALL THAILAND ONE/ COMMUNITY
H UA HIN District comprises of 911 km2. As of 31 December 2023, a total of 33,063 animals were sterilized in 3+ years by FIXemALL of which 19,893 were dogs and 13,270 cats – 90% females. Using the graphs below, one can get an idea as to how many animals were potentially saved from being born into lives of misery, abuse, and starvation.
T HE first surgeries were performed in get them sterilized. FIXemALL works with government veterinarians and their assistants, often joined by vets and assistants from commercial clinics. All work is done in these vets’ spare time with the focus on females, however, males brought in are also neutered. Stray dogs are often visible; cats, however, are a huge hidden problem and a serious threat to wildlife. Dogs typically breed twice a year whereas cats breed more frequently. Both animal welfare issues must be addressed. All sterilized animals receive a Rabies vaccination and an anti-parasite injection. The inside of ears is tattooed and when they are feral, tipped as well. Also, it is our shared philosophy that when a dog or cat is put on the table with other issues as well, to help as much as we can and not just limit our efforts to spay/neuter procedures. August 2021. Included are dogs and cats cared for by poor people who form a lifeline for unwanted dogs and cats by feeding these animals but lack the funds to Two to three Wednesdays per month sterilization clinics are held in a fixed location in Hua Hin town and two to three Saturdays per month we conduct these clinics on-site at a temple or school somewhere in the Hua Hin District. Other than visible strays, there’s a huge problem with feral dogs and cats typically living in the bush and forests after having been dumped by people who no longer wish to take care of them. They scavenge during the night for food at the many garbage dumps supplemented by meager feedings by kind-hearted locals. Uncontrolled breeding means these populations increase over time, despite many puppies and kittens dying. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY/ MARGOT HOMBURG
As of the end of 2023, using approximate conversion rates, the costs for this sterilization work are almost US$550,000. We’re far from being done in this area alone which clearly demonstrates how pervasive stray dog and cat populations are – not only here, but throughout Thailand and neighboring countries too, as well as in so many other developing areas in the world. Moreover, the fact that underdeveloped areas become more affluent means more waste, allowing strays to have access to more food and will therefore carry larger litters. It’s an animal welfare problem of enormous magnitude that is hugely difficult to solve without intensive and specifically targeted efforts coupled with large capitalization. — If you wish to have more information on FIXemALL then please contact Margot directly at margot.homburg@gmail.com
Therefore, FIXemALL hires monthly a skilled, professional blow-darter from Bangkok. This part of our program is vital to get otherwise uncatchable dogs and cats to stop breeding. Truly exhausting work requiring enormous skill, perseverance, and innovative thinking, as well as an iron stomach and steeled nerves to deal with graphic encounters of misery and suffering deep in the bushes and overgrowth. »
26
27
THAILAND ONE
APRIL/ MAY 2024
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker