PAWS for Change: Help Roaming Dogs in Peru

The Challenge of Neutering in Rural Areas

In many Western countries, neutering is a routine aspect of responsible pet ownership. However, in the rural villages of Cusco, this essential procedure remains largely inaccessible due to financial and geographic barriers. As a result, some communities resort to culling female dogs to manage the growing population—an approach that is both inhumane and ineffective at tackling the root cause of the issue.

Launching a Neutering Initiative in Lucre

To address this challenge, we recently launched a neutering campaign in Lucre, a town nestled in Cusco’s South Valley. Although recent changes in Peru’s neutering laws caused delays in 2024, the PAWS team returned with renewed enthusiasm. This initiative not only provided much-needed veterinary care but also demonstrated the power of community engagement in fostering lasting change.

How Our Campaigns Work

Our campaigns are designed to make neutering as easy as possible for pet owners. The process begins with a pre-surgical veterinary check the day before, ensuring that each pet is ready for the procedure. By the following morning, everything is set for surgery.

At first glance, the idea of performing multiple surgeries in the heart of a rural town might seem chaotic. However, when we arrived in Lucre, we found an atmosphere of calm. Owners gathered in the designated reception area, chatting while their pets lounged in the sun, awaiting their turn.

Each surgery typically takes around an hour and a half, with efficiency being a priority since many pet owners have limited time. Beyond providing medical care, PAWS also emphasizes educating the community about the importance of responsible pet ownership to ensure long-term change.

Strengthening Community Ties

Establishing strong partnerships with local authorities plays a crucial role in the success of our campaigns. In Lucre, collaboration with the town council allowed us to set up a mobile clinic in the central plaza, ensuring access to vital resources like water and electricity.

Being at the heart of the community proved to be an advantage. Many residents who were previously unaware of the initiative stopped by, booking appointments for the next day. Others took the opportunity to ask questions about their pets, turning the event into an informal yet invaluable veterinary advice hub.

However, attitudes toward pet care vary between communities. One of the veterinary technicians, Diana, shared her perspective: “Some people claim they know how to care for their pets, but in reality, they don’t want to. Many still see dogs as security guards and cats as pest controllers rather than companions.”

Despite these challenges, positive change was evident in Lucre. Most dogs arrived wearing collars and leashes, and some even sported cozy sweaters—a small but significant step in a region where many dogs still roam without identification or an owner.

Shifting Perspectives on Pet Care

Ultimately, changing attitudes toward animal welfare is just as crucial as providing medical services. In rural Cusco, meaningful transformation starts within the community itself.

During our campaign, we noticed that many pet owners were children, taking responsibility for their beloved animals. However, deeply ingrained beliefs sometimes presented obstacles. For instance, a group of young boys hesitated to neuter their male dog, fearing he would lose his dominance. While we couldn't change their minds this time, it highlighted how cultural perceptions influence pet care decisions.

Creating a Lasting Impact

Over three days, 54 dogs and cats were successfully neutered and safely returned to their families. While the campaign primarily focused on animal welfare, its ripple effect on the community was undeniable. Although outdated and harmful practices like poisoning persist in some areas, the growing number of responsible pet owners demonstrates progress toward a more compassionate future.

This transformation would not be possible without the dedication of the PAWS team, but ultimately, it is community involvement that drives sustainable change. By working together, we can continue to improve the lives of both animals and their human companions in rural Peru.

Thank you for your support!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our generous donors. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of PAWS' success, driving us forward and making our impactful work possible. Your kindness and dedication have enabled us to make a tangible difference in the lives of the animals we serve. Truly, it is not possible without your compassion and commitment. Thank you for making everything we do possible!