Covid-19 also has had a significant impact on our fundraising. The annual Potcakeman Triathlon which typically raises $30,000 has inevitably been postponed and we are unable to plan any other fundraisers at this time. Thankfully we have received a lifesaving pledge of $10,000 from IFAW - and we are now turning to you for support to match this to keep our spay/neuter projects going.
Covid-19 has caused challenging times for all of us, but The Bahamas has been significantly affected. With our main revenue source of tourism being vastly impacted, The Bahamas is approaching an unprecedented 50% unemployment rate. One in four Bahamians now require food assistance and not surprisingly these challenges are resulting in literally hundreds of animals being surrendered, especially puppies and kittens. We are also seeing a lot of malnutrition and many injured animals.
The only shelter on the island is inundated and overflowing; the simple fact is, that there are too many animals and not enough homes. The ONLY solution is spay and neuter for population control to guarantee a healthier and happier life to thousands of animals. Our phone at Baark! has been ringing off the hook and we have done an incredible number of surgeries throughout the last few months.
1 unaltered female dog and her subsequent offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in only 6 years* (PETA). An unspayed female cat and all of their offspring, producing can produce well 66,088 kittens in 6 years. This program will provide a dramatic reduction in the number of puppies and kittens born to suffer on the streets of The Bahamas. Less stray animals also provide safer and healthier communities. Educating communities about spay and neuter will bring long-term change.
