World Spay Day takes place annually on the last Tuesday of February. And while our teams in London, Kabul and Tbilisi perform neutering operations daily, this day is a key focus for our teams overseas.

Last year alone, we neutered over 10,000 dogs in Kabul, Afghanistan and more than 1,675 dogs in Georgia as part of our dog population management programmes in these regions.  Not only does this work help to humanely manage roaming populations, but it also improves their welfare by preventing unwanted pregnancies and unnecessary suffering through disease and injury.

Challenging conditions in Kabul

Despite the harsh weather conditions and heavy snow, which make it difficult to find and trap the dogs to bring to the clinic in Kabul, the team still managed to neuter an incredible 128 street dogs on World Spay Day this year.

Starting at 7am and finishing at 2.30pm the vets, assistants and dog catchers worked tirelessly to make a significant difference to the roaming dog population.

Animal care assistants and dog-catchers from Kabul Municipality are seconded to Mayhew and have received training in humane handling and restraint, animal welfare and both pre and post-operative care for the dogs. It was a real team effort with colleagues clearing the paths of snow to from the clinic to the pre- and post-operative kennel block, transporting the dogs and the surgical team – only stopping to sterilise their instruments and catch up on hospital sheets which are used when operating – all while preparing for the next intake of dogs.Teamwork in Tbilisi

Dr Ana and the team in Georgia operate on a smaller scale but each operation makes a difference to the roaming dog population in Tbilisi. This year, the team are not only working with the authorities to neuter dogs in the district where the Mayhew clinic is situated as part of a larger Dog Population Management plan for Georgia’s capital, but are also working with Dusheti Municipality, Mtshketa-Tianeti region to manage roaming dogs in seven towns and villages.

This year, we hope to neuter even more dogs, having a lasting impact on animal welfare in these areas, as well as creating safer and healthier communities. We are so grateful to the teams in both Afghanistan and Georgia, who work tirelessly to make such a positive difference to the lives of so many. Thanks should go as well to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and the Edgar Cooper Foundation who help to make this work possible.To find out more about our international work and get involved here