Animal clinic assists Las Cuevas, Maracas

This project formed part of the efforts for Las Cuevas Beach to maintain Blue Flag Status which it has been awarded since 2014 under strict criteria, including the control of the stray animal population.

The source of the stray animals is mostly the unrestricted reproduction of pet dogs and cats and indiscriminate dumping of unwanted dogs in the area. A visitor survey at Maracas beach in 2010 revealed that the vast majority of local and international visitors were appalled by the condition of the stray animals and wished to see a humane approach to reducing the population, said a media release.

Furthermore, the level on which a tourism- focused community deals with its stray animal population demonstrates proactive community management, improves the overall aesthetic impression of a village and reduces health risks.

Las Cuevas Beach remains the only Blue Flag certified beach in the southern English- speaking Caribbean.

The initiative consisted of a school outreach programme in which representatives of the Animals 360 Foundation taught the eager pupils from standards two to five at the Las Cuevas Primary School, about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets as well as responsible pet ownership practices, courtesy of material provided by the Animal Welfare Network (AWN).