fp Turks and Caicos

On June 11 and 12, the Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will return to Middle Caicos with volunteers to continue its healthy dog program — to examine, vaccinate, spay and neuter pets.

This visit follows up a visit in March, when 19 pets were registered, examined and vaccinated. Further vaccination efforts for new pets and those unable to come to the March clinic will also be available, along with general information and advice on keeping your pet healthy.

Collar/leash sets distributed to every owner in March. By ensuring all pets wear collars, it is easier to identify wild dogs and to begin to get a handle on the size of the problem.

Middle Caicos has taken a pro-active stance to keeping their pets healthy and safe, and to begin to work on the problem of wild dogs. Residents are hoping government dog control officers will soon come to Middle Caicos because they say the dog population is out of control.

To encourage dog population control, the TCSPCA is inviting Middle Caicos pet owners to bring their dog for a simple operation to prevent any more puppies. Blue Horizon Resort owners Christi and Dallas Shumaker have donated the use of their warehouse to be used for the surgeries.

Residents are encouraged to get their pets on the list as soon as possible so everyone can be included. Call the TCSPCA at 941-8846 or 231-3052 now to register your pet for the simple operation.

A fee of $25 will be charged to help defray the costs of the surgery, but all the time of the veterinarian and volunteers is donated.

The operation is quick, as is the recovery. The dogs are asleep during the operation, then kept nearby for several hours until they are awake and alert. For the next few days they should be kept quiet and near home — and no running in the ocean.

Details will be explained to owners, such as no food for your pet the night before the operation. Your pet will be kept in observation after the surgery to be sure all is well. A follow-up the next day will be conducted to check on all dogs receiving operations.

Anyone wishing to help in any way (financial donations, meals for volunteers, accommodation for volunteers, transport for dogs to/from the surgery) with the Dog Day 2 in Middle Caicos should contact the TCSPCA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 941-8846.