Ponda sterilisation camp achieves milestone with 240 surgeries on dogs in first week

The camp, organised by Worldwide Veterinary Services (WVS) and Mission Rabies (MR) in association with the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC), was inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik and Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar on September 29.

“The camp has witnessed strong community response, with locals from in and around Ponda bringing in both pets and community dogs for free sterilisation and Anti Rabies Vaccination,” said Dr Stacy Sequeira, director of WVS Hicks ITC.

“This favourable response indicates growing recognition of sterilisation and vaccination as humane, scientific long-term solutions for controlling dog populations and reducing bite incidents.”

The camp is being run by a 30-member team, including two dog-catching teams, a helpline operator, veterinary assistants, animal handlers and just two veterinarians, who together carried out 240 surgeries in a span of six days.

Despite being set up in late September during unseasonal heavy showers, Dr Sequeira said the team established an efficiently designed 360° fenced, hygienic and safe temporary facility.

The site features a German hangar tent and 7 pagoda/army tents which house a reception, a kennel holding area with 105 kennels, a surgical preparation unit with autoclave and cold storage, a fully equipped operating theatre, and designated cooking, cleaning, dining and waiting spaces.

“The camp’s early success reflects not only the dedication of the team but also the increasing public willingness to engage in humane solutions for animal welfare and community health,” said Dr Sequeira.

“With a target of 1,000 sterilisations by October 31, we call on the community to continue showing their support by bringing in pets and community dogs for sterilisation and vaccination. The success of this initiative depends on sustained participation, ensuring a safer and kinder future for both animals and people,” she added.