mismisty - 6-11-2005 at 08:11 AM
ANIMALANDIA
ANIMALANDIA DE MUNICIPIO DE LORETO is a non-profit organization being formed in Loreto Baja California Sur Mexico to serve the needs of the indigent
animal population of Loreto and its inhabitants. Two years ago Maria de la Lus Gonzales (Lucy) recruited Denise Jones DVM to help in a spay-neuter
project. Since then, with the permission of the Mexican authorities, Denise and Lucy have been spaying and neutering animals on Lucy?s kitchen
counter. Since this times about 200 animals have been sterilized, the vast majority female. One mating dog pair can be responsible for the birth of
over 100 puppies in 18 months, therefore, this work has potentially reduced the dog population of Loreto by over 20,000.
THE MANDATES
1) Interest local youth in becoming veterinarians or animal care people:
- Recently a high school (Preppa) Veterinary Club was formed by 21 students. They have met with the Mayor of Loreto to receive permission to help to
carry out many of these mandates. We plan to develop a scholarship program for these youth.
2) Educate school children and the community in proper care of animals:
-The Vet Club in cooperation with teachers will bring poster presentations and live animals to pre-school and elementary school children on how to
care for and treat animals in order to improve quality of life for animals and people
- Various contests and games will be used to make learning fun
- Posters have been hung and more will be placed in stores around the community to encourage sterilization of animals
- An exposition will be held in the city square with posters, live animals, animal care handouts and students to answer questions. It is hoped animal
adoptions can also be set up.
3) Conduct an Animal Census
- Loreto has about 12,000 inhabitants. The vet club plans on going door to door to conduct this census. This information will help both the Municipio
and Animalandia develop the best course of action.
4) Construct and outfit a small sterilization facility and animal shelter:
- The Municipio of Loreto has donated a piece of property on which to construct such a facility. The Loreto Bay development has donated fencing and
wood to make the sign, the painting of which was also donated.
3) Animal Sterilization
- The goal is to sterilize the street dogs of Loreto and those dogs belonging to people who could otherwise not afford the procedure.
- Animalandia also hopes to be able to vaccinate for rabies and distemper/parvovirus, de-tick, de-flea and de-worm animals presented for surgery in
order to prevent disease,
as well as to screen for disease conditions when deemed appropriate
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Fund raising for this facility and our on going needs will come from many sources. The Municipio is allowing the Vet Club to solicit money in
various types of campaigns from the community at large. We hope to post signs encouraging tourists to ?Adopt a Dog to Sterilize? in community hotels
and restaurants. Animalandia will also sponsor fund raisers in the form of donated art auctions, raffles, wine/chocolate tastings etc.
The local Hidden Port Yacht Club gives generously to many projects and has also donated to Animalandia. The members of the Association for Animal
Rights Veterinarians, as well as individual veterinarians, have also given both time and equipment to our cause. We of course encourage any individual
or group to help support us in our efforts.
The actual cost for the surgical supplies will vary from $25 to $50 U.S. per animal depending on size and condition. Many are pregnant females.
Ancillary procedures will cost about 15$ to 20$ U.S. per animal. We welcome donations of any amount (or in kind) to help cover these costs.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO HELP SUPPORT ANIMALANDIA
PLEASE CONTACT:
Dr Denise Jones denisejones@direcway.com
Or
Marla Daley scifmail@west.net
U.S. Tax deductible contributions, in money or in kind can be made through:
Terra Marine Foundation
665 Tabor Lane
Santa Barbara CA 93108
NEEDED SUPPLIES
Your local vet or doctor may have some of these things stored in a closet, or maybe they are planning on remodeling their facility! Ask around! Some
of these items are fine if they are slightly outdated. Please contact Denise before donating anything as we may already have it or not need it and we
have limited storage. GRACIAS!!
1) Small office or dental autoclave (we are presently using a pressure cooker).
2) Surgery light, a portable surgery light would be great
3) A Mayo instrument stand
4) Portable cages ? ALL SIZES (Yard sales)-
5) Fleas and tick treatments (Frontline, Advantage, Advantick) ? collars or drops
6) Heartworm test kits and preventative
7) Erlichia test kits
8) Vaccines (rabies, distemper, parvovirus)
9) Portable x-ray machine (this is on our dream list- the closest is 4 hr away)
10) Bandage material (vetwrap, elastikon, rolled cotton, gauze rolls)
11) Old towels, rugs etc for recovering animals
12) Leashes
13) Suture material ? sizes 0 to 3-0 Types ? PDS, Vicryl, Catgut
14) Super glue or surgical glue
15) Surgery gloves ? especially size 61/2 and 7
16) Exam gloves (small and medium)
17) Disposable drape material
18) Disposable cautery units (check with the local hospitals)
19) Isoflurane
20) Things we have not thought of!
21) Veterinary Help
Accommodations would be provided.
We are very much in need of your time.
A couple of days makes an enormous difference.
Thanks to All
I have a project involving dogs
jrbaja - 6-11-2005 at 11:01 AM
going on myself! We should talk
rpleger - 6-11-2005 at 11:15 AM
There is a simlar project in Mulege, the limiting of unwanted pets is very important. Help out where you can in your own community.
Phil S - 6-11-2005 at 11:36 AM
This is something long needed. Night time packs of Loreto dogs is not unusual. Now this is a very positive thing for Loreto. Glad to see that
Loreto Bay was involved also in this project.
Eli - 6-11-2005 at 12:00 PM
I too, am so glad to hear about this project. Wishing you all the best of luck in your endevors, Sara