|
The number of stray animals worldwide reaches into the hundreds of millions. This overpopulation problem exists largely due to social, cultural, and economic barriers to companion animal sterilization, but ignorance about responsible pet ownership is also a factor. That ignorance results in the common practice of abandoning companion animals, particularly pregnant females.
For countries that struggle to provide adequate resources for their human populations, allocating funding to the needs of stray animals is out of the question. Establishing and operating animal shelters is expensive, and such facilities would quickly exceed their capacity to house stray animals. The best alternative is to bring together the local government, local community, and local animal welfare groups in support of a shared goal: a humane, sustainable, long-term solution to stray animal overpopulation. "Project Cancun" is CANDi's model for just such a solution. This pilot initiative first unites community stakeholders in a shared vision and provides them with the tools they need to reach that vision. These tools draw from CANDi's main program elements: education in responsible pet ownership, fundraising for long-term sustainability, a humane partnership network, expertise from international animal groups, and low-cost or free sterilizations. Project Cancun will serve as the CANDi model for a viable, long-term solution to animal overpopulation as we expand our reach into Mexico and the Caribbean. |
