Collective action drives solutions. This was what happened when De La Salle University-Dasmariñas animal advocates joined forces with like-minded organizations to stage a low-cost kapon event on campus last June 22.
Spearheaded by the Senior High School Student Council, campus animal care organizations NEKO (SHS), PAWS (College), and DLSU-D Cats (multi-sector volunteer group), DLSU-D conducted the successful spay and neuter of 407 animals through Biyaya Animal Care.
Three hundred sixty one (361) cats, including 32 community cats, 19 dogs, and another 27 cats from the TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate and return) program were accommodated by the "Controlling the Pawpulation" event where volunteer vets attended to the animals with the assistance of enthusiastic Lasallians. After the spaying and neutering, campus cats were returned to their areas and released to the care of their campus caretakers.
It can be recalled that earlier in the year, DLSU-D President Francisco “Sockie” de la Rosa VI FSC mobilized animal care groups in the University to form a CARE committee to audit the population of community cats with spaying and neutering as an end goal. An institutional policy on the handling of campus cats and feral animals was also discussed to ensure the safety of both the community members and the animals.
A massive education campaign was also among the President’s marching orders to promote awareness among Lasallians on the safety guidelines for interacting with the animals.
“Forming stewards of God's creation is a key program of DLSU-D High School. The values of empathy and service are developed also through these. Part of the overarching program of being the greenest university in the Philippines,” DLSU-D High School Principal and CARE Committee head Marlon Pareja said.