How Grahamstown residents can help! A 'sterilize and release program'

Here is an exact example of what I would like th blog to help with- the creation of a system in which the strays are monitered and sterilized- a 'sterilize and release' program.
Please read this if you are willing to help- this will only work if the public gets involved!
 Here is also a website who have implemented this program and their results- link. This link shows a study done on this prodgram.



The first step

To help keep the population in check, there is a need to know how many strays there are so that effective measures can be taken to reduce the populations. The public needs to play a role in surveying the strays such as collecting information on numbers, their condition, where they are in larger numbers, what time to the day they are visible. Such information from repeated and timely surveys will be needed to effectively monitor the success of the program.

The second step

The sterilization of strays by professionals under a ‘catch-neuter and release when they are deemed well', will help in reducing their numbers in future. The catch-neuter-release program aims not only to reduce the number of strays suffering in the streets by neutering existing strays and releasing them. With the help of the community, these animals will be able to live out their natural lives.
However, when it comes to sterilisation programs, realistically, the number of surgical sterilizations required to have an impact on the population is far greater than can be achieved for now, due to the sheer numbers or strays we have, and the propensity for strays to reproduce.
However, with the increased awareness of public as to how they can play a more responsible role in ensuring that their own pets are well cared for and how important it is that indiscriminate or careless accidental breeding doesn't occur ie. having their own pets sterilized, so that there aren't additions to strays, it will be easier.

Aims of neutering strays are to:

1.reduce the number of stray animals by preventing more breeding

2.prevent re-colonisation by other unneutered strays because returning these strays (after neutering) to their original environment will place a population pressure that prevents new strays from coming into the area

3.Reduce the stress of unwanted pregnancies and reduce transmission of diseases as these animals will not only be neutered but will also be vaccinated.

4.Indirectly reduce the nuisance caused by strays