Phuket volunteer veterinarian in Thailand for stray dogs and stray cats sterilization

What is the Atigaro Project and why is it necessary?
The Atigaro Project is a capture-neuter-release scheme in conjunction with education programs in animal respect and responsible pet ownership. The aim of the Atigaro Project is to initially control and eventually eradicate the stray cat and dog problem in Phuket. It is impossible to venture very far without coming across stray dogs and cats, usually mange ridden, scrawny animals that survive by feeding out of bins and fighting for their territory. While spoiling the aesthetics of an island renowned for its beauty, these animals also pose a considerable health risk to locals and tourists alike.
	All animals are weighed before receiving an anaesthetic.
By neutering and vaccinating them we can halt the population growth; dramatically improve the health of the existing population and rely on them to defend what will then be a disease free area. Through education it is possible for responsibility to be taken for a problem that has been here so long it appears to have become an acceptable part of street life. The Atigaro Project is a Thai and expatriate initiative whereby we will work together to the benefit of Phuket, environmentally and aesthetically, to the benefit of public health and also of animal welfare.
	Educating school children in animal respect is a vital part of the Atigaro Project.
Why is it called the 'Atigaro' Project?
Phra Atigaro was a successful Malaysian businessman who gave up all material assets to become a Buddhist monk. He lived his last years at Wat Kuen in Phuket town, where he devoted his time and energy to the care of the homeless dogs and cats. I met him in 1999 and he became a tremendous and enlightening helper in field clinics. When he died at the end of last year the animals he had cared for were destroyed - I knew there was a more humane and much more effective way of eliminating these animals on a long-term-solution basis and this project is it.
So the Atigaro Project isn't just another animal welfare group?
No. The Atigaro Project is just that - a project. It is a proactive initiative. It is an appropriate and intelligent course of action for a humane solution to Phuket’s stray animal problem. The qualified visiting veterinarians taking part in the project work with local Thai and ex-pat volunteers in capture-neuter-release field clinics. The Atigaro project has been set up to invite veterinarians from around the world to volunteer their time and expertise; to accommodate the visiting vets and to fund the field clinics.
	Dr Juliette speying a dog while local children look on.


Web design by Andaman Graphics & Thaiwave Phuket