Nassau, The Bahamas -- Close to 2,000 dogs in New Providence have been sterilised through Operation Potcake, a two-week spay and neuter initiative by the international organisation Animal Balance and the Bahamas Humane Society. And, "irresponsible" pet owners came under fire for abandoning their animals.

Emma Clifford, director of Animal Balance said the only way to combat the high numbers of street dogs is through an aggressive spay and neuter programme.  Animal Balance organises high volume spay and neuter campaigns on islands around the world.

They help the local government, animal organisations, and the veterinary community become self-sufficient at humane animal management control. Five clinic sites where set up throughout New Providence, since January 10, providing the free services.

The programme ended Monday (January 21). The dogs were also vaccinated and given internal and external parasite treatment. "All of these thing combined means that you have a healthier street dog population here on New Providence," said Ms Clifford. Operation Potcake also starts a five-year programme in which the Bahamas Veterinary Association and the animal organisations including Bahamas Humane Society will continue the work.

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