In indigent areas of Peru, the companion-animal overpopulation and homelessness crisis is causing millions of cats and dogs to suffer—but PETA’s Global Compassion fund is working to change that. In Lima and Arequipa—the two most populated cities in Peru—the team Voluntarios de PETA en Lima, backed by the Global Compassion Fund, hosted free spay/neuter clinics to assist these animals and help underserved residents provide vital care for their companions. They sterilized a total of 107 cats and dogs, preventing the births of thousands more.

There are about six million abandoned dogs in Peru and two million in Lima alone. It’s estimated that there are three times as many homeless cats. Homeless cats and dogs may suffer and die from starvation, injuries, and infection. Without loving homes, these animals are vulnerable to exposure, illnesses, and attacks from other animals or cruel humans. Spaying and neutering are necessary surgeries that prevent countless more animals from being born, only to spend their short lives struggling to survive on the streets.

In communities across Peru that PETA’s Global Compassion Fund-backed clinics have served, paying out of pocket for these surgeries can be out of reach. Thanks to the fund’s support and the excellent work of Voluntarios de PETA en Lima, these clinics are free of charge or low cost, allowing services to reach as many housed and homeless animals as possible. More low-cost/free clinics hosted by Voluntarios de PETA en Lima are coming soon.

Sterilization doesn’t just stem the tide of companion-animal overpopulation and homelessness—it also helps cats and dogs live longer, happier lives. Altered animals are less likely to contract deadly, contagious diseases, such as feline AIDS and feline leukemia, that are spread through bodily fluids.

YOU Can Support the Global Compassion Fund’s Work for Animals in Peru

PETA’s Global Compassion Fund is powered exclusively by the contributions of kind supporters like you. By working together and partnering with other entities, we can create a kinder world for animals. Please help us continue this essential work by donating to the Global Compassion Fund today.