1.000.000 animals sterilized and vaccinated by the Soi Dog Foundation

(Editorial credit: Gina Smith / Shutterstock.com)

A street puppy from Thailand has reached the milestone of becoming the millionth animal treated by animal welfare charity Soi Dog Foundation.

The puppy, aptly named 'Million', was picked up by a mobile sterilization team from the foundation after being found on the streets of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Shortly afterwards, he became the millionth animal to participate in the comprehensive spay, neuter and vaccination program that began in 2003.

It is an unprecedented achievement that so many stray animals have been treated by one organization. “This incredible milestone would have been impossible without the support of our global donors,” said John Dalley MBE, co-founder and chairman of the Soi Dog Foundation. “Dogs like Million deserve a better life than the short, painful life on the street. Sterilization has always been central to our mission to reduce this suffering. We are grateful for the dedicated supporters who also passionately believe in this mission.”

The Soi Dog Foundation currently sterilizes and vaccinates more than 20.000 stray animals every month. John and his late wife Gill, from Yorkshire, UK, founded the Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket to tackle the overpopulation of stray dogs, also known as 'soi' dogs. Since establishing themselves on the Thai island in 2003, the foundation has grown into the largest stray animal welfare organization in Southeast Asia, and this year they are celebrating their 20th anniversary.

(Editorial credit: Gina Smith / Shutterstock.com)

The foundation's spay, neuter and vaccination program, the CNVR (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) program, has been at the forefront of their efforts since the beginning. This CNVR approach is widely considered the most humane and effective method to combat stray animal overpopulation and prevent the spread of diseases, including rabies.

“In our first three months we managed to sterilize 175 animals and in the following year just over 1.200. While these numbers seem modest, you have to start somewhere,” John said. Now the foundation treats more than 20.000 animals every month through its mobile teams and collaborative projects throughout Thailand.

Significant results have already been achieved in Phuket thanks to the programme. Through continued efforts, the stray animal population has been reduced by more than 90%. The island is also about to become the first province in Thailand to be officially free of rabies.

Surveys conducted by the International Companion Animal Management Coalition (ICAM) show similar positive trends in Greater Bangkok, where the foundation has treated more than half a million animals.

(Editorial credit: Gina Smith / Shutterstock.com)

In Greater Bangkok, the foundation's work is supported by Dogs Trust Worldwide, the international arm of the UK's largest dog welfare organisation. Since 2016, they have financed half of the program in this region. Soi Dog Foundation receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of individual donors and organizations such as Dogs Trust Worldwide.

Karen Reed, director of Dogs Trust Worldwide, said: “We are proud to have been a key partner in the Bangkok project since 2016. Our goal is to improve the welfare of dogs worldwide. We congratulate the Soi Dog Foundation on this impressive milestone.”

In Phuket, the Soi Dog Foundation also runs a state-of-the-art dog hospital where 'Million' had surgery to remove her damaged right eye after she was hit by a car – a tragically common fate for stray dogs.

With an estimated 10 to 12 million stray dogs in Thailand, the foundation continues to expand its CNVR program, along with other initiatives, all contributing to its holistic approach to increasing animal welfare in Asia.

Source: Pattaya Mail