Wishlist TNR

In May we will initiate a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program for feral cats in Havana.
This will be in collaboration with the Emma Clifford and the great volunteers of Animal Balance.

Given the great success in reducing stray dog populations, cats are making a very public appearance.
We have been successfully prepositioned twenty cat traps for the May launch.

Thanks go to Animal Balance for coordinating the donation of the traps.

Through the generosity of Alley Cat Allies (they funded the purchase) and Tomahawk Live Traps
they were shipped from Wisconsin, USA to Ontario, Canada

Once they arrived it was time to figure out how to get them to Cuba. A public call went out on Cuban travel forums and generous individuals actually purchased traps and delivered them Havana.

That still left the fact I had twenty traps and accessories.
Thanks to Grace, Ellen and Ingrid of APAC Varadero,
Darci at CANDI International and Air Transat the traps flew free of charge to Varadero.

The traps are now in Cardenas with Ingrid. Soon they will make their way to Havana

We could use further assistance with the purchase and delivery of more traps to Havana.
These would not only be for our May campaña but will be used in other parts of Cuba.
Ideally in resort areas and Cat Café programs.

From Tomahawk Live Traps of Wisconsin USA
Cat transfer cage
Cat trap
Cat trap
Cat trap dividers

In Manitoba, Canada
Cat transfer cage
Cat trap

In the Vancouver area
Integrated Pest Supplies
Ask for the Tomahawk 606 Cat Trap

Also in preparation for future sterilization campañas we have wormers and other items on our Wishlist.

For those that live in Australia, or anyone happy to do mail order,
Ilium Pyraquantal is well priced broad spectrum wormer.


Troy Wormex also appears to be an excellent value.

Pet Tents such as this one and the ones below.
They are great for our recovery rooms especially when caring for cats.

... or you can always

Pinar del Rio Sept 29

On this day we headed 170km west of Havana
to the town of Pinar de Rio.
Along the way was a rest stop with the
usual suspects hanging about.

The Pinar del Rio chapter of the
Consejo Cientifico Veterinario de Cuba
was well prepared ahead of our arrival.

Once we set up our supplies ...

...we gathered together.

The Spanky Project does not just show up in Cuba to sterilize cats and dogs.

We actually spend time working with our Cuban counterparts sharing,
knowledge, experience and techniques.

After preparing our anaesthesia and pain management protocols...

...it was time to get down to work.

Caregivers look on as a huge dose of TLC is administered.

If you remember the post previous to this you will recognize the hot water bottle.
It was part of a generous delivery by the Dubinsky family.
The loss of body while under anaesthesia is not uncommon.
The water bottle helps with warming.

Dr.Maas added a little extra heat and some lovin'.

In the future, if funding permits, we look forward to increased collaboration with the veterinary community in Pinar del Rio.

Sept 28 Sexta desparasitación de mascotas

If you announce it they will come.

Sexta Desparasitación Masiva de Mascotas

Escrito por Karín Morejón Nellar
Jueves, 22 de Septiembre de 2011 17:13 La sexta desparasitación masiva de mascotas en el Centro Histórico, será el próximo miércoles 28 de septiembre, a las 8:30 a.m., frente a la Clínica Veterinaria del barrio Santo Ángel, situada en Habana entre Peña Pobre y Avenida de las Misiones. Gratuitamente perros y gatos serán inyectados por vía subcutánea contra parásitos internos y garrapatas. Es preciso que los animales se presenten higienizados y, de ser necesario, con bozal. Esta acción es organizada, entre otros, por la Sociedad Patrimonio, Comunidad y Medio Ambiente, el Jardín Quinta de los Molinos de la Oficina del Historiador de La Habana y el Instituto de Medicina Veterinaria.

Source
Google Translation...
The animal deworming is essential to achieving this healthy living and better coexistence with humans. For this reason there will be the sixth mass deworming of pets scheduled for next Wednesday September 28th, starting at half past eight in the Veterinary Clinic of Santo Ángel neighborhood. The facility is situated on Havana Street, between Peña Pobre and Mission Avenue in the historic center of the city, where the community service will be provided free of charge. This action will be possible through the efforts of a group of national and international organizations interested in improving the health of the animals infected with the capital Havana. According to the press release, dogs and cats will be dewormed against internal parasites and ticks subcutaneously. This requires that animals are presented in a sanitary condition and if necessary muzzled. It is recalled that an infested animal can not grow and thrive, and even parasites can lead to death. The animal parasites may affect the quality of life of people to be a carrier of many diseases. Hence the invites to everyone not to miss this call after the health of our pets and their owners.

This event was a celebration for the re-opening of the Veterinary Consultorio in the Havana neighbourhood of Santo Angel.

People arrived early with their pets.

And kept arriving.

Streets were blocked.

Canopies were erected

The crowd assembled.
Announcements were made.

The Vets were at the ready.

Maria Elena added decorative touches with some "globos"...

...as did Emma Clifford.

Yami and Sandra registered the attendees.

A little "people to people" with Dr.Maas.

Dr.Gispert drew off some of the remaining product for veterinarians to take back to their neigbourhood clinics.

Thanks go to Merial Canada for the donation of Ivomec used this day.

Before this trip I was contacted by Keven from British Columbia, Canada.
Keven and family were heading to Varadero and they wanted to help Cubans help their animals by bringing some supplies.

Emma Clifford, Founder/Director of Animal Balance
fills in Keven and family on the day's activity.

The Dubinsky clan came into Havana for the day
with a delivery of supplies that would be put to use in short time.

On this day 486 were registered as treated.
But wait there's more.
We were limited by time and they did come to take Dr.B's table.


Being a dedicated professional ... he kept working.

No one went home without treatment.
These events are very touching.
You see the love Cubans have for their "mascotas".
Many came a great distance via many forms of transport.

It was a great day and we look forward to holding these events in other neighbourhoods.