Sterilization of 2,000 dogs and cats in Colombia

Report #4: 2,000 Sterilizations of Dogs and Cats in Colombia by 2025

 Date: January 27, 2026

1. Context and Problem

The situation of stray dogs and cats in Colombia has reached critical levels. It is estimated that nearly three million animals are in this situation. Although the problem is more visible in large and medium-sized cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, and Santa Marta, the truth is that high rates of abandonment are present in both small and large cities.

The main causes include the lack of sterilization and irresponsible ownership, stemming from impulsive purchases or adoptions. This reality generates an exponential increase in the animal population, which in turn leads to situations of mistreatment, diseases, and public health problems such as zoonoses, bites, and traffic accidents.

 While Colombia has a significant legal framework—such as Law 1774 of 2016, which penalizes animal abuse and abandonment—significant challenges remain in its implementation.

2. Sterilization as a Solution

One of the main strategies to mitigate this problem is sterilization campaigns.

Although the Sterilization Saves Lives Law was passed, its implementation has been slow and, in many cases, almost nonexistent, especially in small and remote municipalities.

Given this situation, the Inawy Foundation continues to work actively to contribute to reducing the problem by providing free sterilizations in areas where access to these services is limited. 

3. Results Obtained – Year 2025

During 2025, 506 sterilizations were performed, distributed as follows:

Felines: 307 Canines: 199 Females: 399 Males: 153

4. Characteristics of the Population Served

Species: 60% felines, 40% canines. Sex: 69% females, 31% males. These figures are especially relevant considering that a female dog can produce up to 3,618 offspring in seven years, and a female cat up to 420,000 offspring in the same period, highlighting the urgent need for preventative interventions.

5. 2026 Projection

For 2026, 900 sterilizations are planned, starting early on February 28th with the first event in Cazucá, in the La Isla area, with 135 sterilizations of stray dogs and cats from the local population. In July, 360 sterilizations will be performed in Ciénaga, Magdalena; in September, 135 sterilizations will be performed in Villa Garzón; and in November, 270 sterilizations will be performed in Cazucá to close out the year. 

6. Resources and Sustainability

The Foundation is currently in the process of securing funding for these events. The main fundraising methods will be:

GlobalGiving platform.

Facebook and Instagram campaigns.

Recurring donors to the Foundation.

We continue to rely on the support of every donor who firmly believes in this project and on the dissemination of this initiative, so that more people can learn about it and join the cause.

• Inawy_report_4.pdf (PDF)
  

Report No. 3: 2000 sterilizations of dogs and cats in Colombia.
Date: September 25th, 2025

The problems of abandoned dogs and cats in Colombia include:

- Overpopulation, since they are animals that are mostly not sterilized.

- Diseases such as malnutrition, very serious viral infections such as distemper and parvo in dogs and feline leukemia and immunodeficiency in cats.

- Accidents that produce fractures, soft tissue trauma, chest trauma, abdomen and head trauma.

- Risk to public health due to the transmission of zoonoses such as rabies, ringworm, or diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks.

- Environmental problems due to contamination by feces; improper garbage collection, since dogs break garbage bags looking for food, making it harder to properly handle.

- Animal abuse of stray dogs and cats, since they are more vulnerable and their rights are not respected.

The above situations derive from the lack of responsible ownership, the low

percentage of sterilizations and high number of abandonment.

Faced with this panorama, there are several solutions.

- Responsible ownership: This is the key to avoiding abandonment and must include the care, feeding, identification (microchip) and sterilization of the animal.

- Sterilization: It is essential to control birth and reduce the number of animals that end up abandoned.

- Education: Foster a culture of respect for animals and promote adoption rather than purchase.

- Identification: Placing a microchip facilitates the identification and recovery of a lost animal.

 Fundación Inawy, in accordance with the proposed solutions, has carried out 493 sterilizations as of August 30, 2025. Of that figure, 61% are felines, with 301 cats and 39% are canines with 192 dogs. In the case of felines, there are 40% females and 21% males. In the case of canines, there are 29% females and 10% males.

Analyzing these figures, we can conclude that approximately twice as many felines are sterilized than canines. Likewise, two thirds of the total number are feline and canine females. The animals that sterilize the least are canine males. On the other hand, 3% are dogs of potentially dangerous breeds.

We are satisfied with the work done to date; however, the problem is very serious, which is why systematic actions are required to impact the communities.

We continue to work and receive support from people who wish to contribute to reducing overpopulation, abuse and abandonment of dogs and cats.

• Report_No_3_Sterilization_of_2000_dogs_and_cats_in_Colombia.pdf (PDF)