Last year, BAARK! (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) spayed/neutered a record 1,803 animals, and this year it looks to continue to carry out its projects to reduce the homeless animal population and end the suffering of dogs and cats, according to BAARK! Chairperson Laura Kimble.
Since forming in 2009, BAARK! has worked to reduce the number of animals on the streets through sterilization programs such as TNR (trap-neuter-return), and by providing subsidies for low-income families with pets. The organization has completed more than 6,000 spay and neuters.
Kimble attributes a good portion of last year's numbers to impromptu Sunday clinics that the veterinarians at Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) would put together after ambulance drivers identified areas on the island where a lot of animals needed spaying or neutering.
"Our recipe for success is kind supporters, successful fundraising events, dedicated volunteers and our strong relationship with local veterinarians across the island," said Kimble. "We cannot believe we were able to almost double our annual goal of 1,000 surgeries."
BAARK! will continue to host monthly Sunday spay/neuter clinics at BHS.
For 2017 BAARK! has pre-planned dates and target areas to help ensure their continued success, according to Dr. Solomon Kwakye, head veterinarian at BHS.
"The only way to get a handle on the large number of unwanted dogs and cats in The Bahamas is through spay and neuter clinics. We love working together with BAARK! to help prevent suffering."
In recognition of World Spay Day on February 28, BAARK! and BHS will host a clinic on Sunday, February 26 targeting the Chippingham, Fish Fry, Farrington Road, Davis Street to Thompson Boulevard and Stapledon Gardens communities.
The first weekend in March BAARK! volunteers and veterinarian Solomon will travel to Gray's, Long Island to continue their work of sterilizing dogs and cats.
"It is important for BAARK! to come to Long Island to help with the feral cat population and assist people who cannot afford to spay or neuter their pet," said local coordinator Sandra Cooke.
After a successful year, BAARK! is hoping 2017 will be even better.
BAARK! relies on donations from supporters and fundraising efforts. The organization does not receive government funding. Kimble says the more money they raise, the more surgeries they can provide.
BAARK! will host a 'country and western' themed Valentine's hoedown on Saturday, February 11 at Philosophy Smokehouse Bar & Grill.
The BAARK! education team, led by Shelley Hardman, is also available for interactive school visits during which BAARK! teaches students how to be safe around dogs, why they spay or neuter and how to be responsible pet owners. During the visits Hardman brings along her four-legged assistants, Mambo and Harriet.
For more information call 427-7729 or visit www.baarkbahamas.com, or contact Laura Kimble at 457-4411 or laura@baarkbahamas.org.
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