fp Turks and Caicos

The Grand Turk Chapter of the Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals held its second spay/neuter clinic last week, Oct. 26-29.

The surgeries were performed by government veterinarian Dr. Mark Butler and Lance Dowridge, veterinary technician at the Environmental Health Department (EHD) mobile clinic.

The clinic is part of an ongoing collaborative effort between the EHD and the TCSPCA to provide low cost spay/neuter surgery for owned dogs and cats throughout the TCI.

Butler came to Grand Turk from Providenciales to perform surgeries and conduct visits for local pets. Fourteen spay/neuter surgeries were performed during the four-day clinic, which will result in a significant reduction of unwanted pets on the island.

Vaccinations were given to both cats and dogs, and dogs were registered with the Department of Health. The TCSPCA is hoping to be able to arrange a similar clinic on South Caicos in December.

The Grand Turk TCSPCA is grateful to all the pet owners who brought their dogs and cats to the clinic as well as volunteers Stephanie Human, Ginny and Tom Allan, and Lucy Schofield. They also thanked Providenciales TCSPCA, Director Susan Blehr and veterinarian Dr. Rich Sefcik for providing and shipping all the medicines and supplies needed for the clinic.

The Grand Turk TCSPCA shop, located on Duke Street just before it turns into Queen Street, is now open on cruise ship days as well as on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. when you can purchase pet collars, toys, T-shirts and other goodies. Contact the Grand Turk TCSPCA chapter at 247-6235 if you are interested in becoming a member or would like additional information.