In Sri Lanka, where a vast population of stray cats and dogs are subjected to starvation, abuse and suffering on the streets, sterilization is vital to control the stray animal population. It is the only way to humanely control the population - a necessary evil, if you will.

It is also advised by medical professionals to spay and neuter pets. Sterilization reduces risks of reproductive infections and diseases and certain cancers, as well as aggressive and roaming behaviours. As such, it is proven to improve their health and extend their lifespan.

There is a common misuse of the human contraceptive - the Depo-Provera Injection, on female animals in Sri Lanka. Often, it is administered by unprofessional vets, or given over the counter. As this injection is not designed to control feline or canine pregnancies, it tends to damage their biological systems and endanger their lives. It typically results in fatal conditions, namely mammary tumours and Pyometra. 

More often than not, fosters and owners are unaware of these implications, and only find out when it’s too late. Help us raise awareness to stop this abomination.

Cats & dogs should ideally be sterilized when they reach 4-6 months of age, provided that they are healthy. This is when their reproductive organs are ready for mating, and commences their heat cycle. To prevent an unexpected pregnancy, female pets must be confined to a comfortable area during this time and kept seperate from male animals.

Pets should be sterilized regardless of gender. A common practice in Sri Lanka is spaying [female sterilization], but neutering [male sterilization] is equally important. It is irresponsible ownership to allow a fertile male pet to roam the neighborhood, impregnating female animals in the area. Fertile animals should be confined to spacious indoors and should only be allowed out under strict supervision.

The general sterilization procedure is as follows;

Your pet will fast for a minimum of 6 hours. At the clinic, they are sedated and given anesthesia, prior to surgery. Following the surgery, they are kept at the clinic till they regain consciousness, to ensure they won’t require any emergency care. Depending on the type of stitches used - absorbable or non-absorbable, the vet will inform you of the check-ups and aftercare.

They generally fully recover from the surgery within a span of 10 days. They should be kept in a sterile environment to avoid infections. Their movements should be restricted during this time, and they must wear an e-collar if they attempt to remove or lick the stitches. They generally learn to navigate around an e-collar, but if it is proving to be difficult, it may be removed under strict supervision during meals and water breaks. They may temporarily lose their appetite post-surgery, but will gradually regain it. If you notice a consistent lack of appetite, pus or extensive pain, contact your vet immediately.

The general charges to spay or neuter is estimated to amount between LKR. 3000-4000 for cats and LKR. 4000-5500 for dogs, depending on the clinic of choice. The costs may vary due to additional services, such as overnight stay or pet boarding, to monitor their recovery and provide care.

However, there are organizations that conduct periodical sterilization programs for free for individuals and communities that are unable to afford the surgery. Such organizations include AWPA, Embark, Dogstar Foundation, Justice for Animals SL and Spay it Forward. These organizations rely on fundraisers and donations from the general public to pay the veterinary bills. If you are so kind, do check out their work and donate to their cause.

If you are struggling to capture a stray animal for sterilization, there is an ongoing program conducted by Dr. Asanka at Royal Vet Care, Maharagama that may be of help. Dr. Asanka visits the locations upon request and takes either cat or dog, and drops them back at the original location post-surgery. As absorbable stitches are used, there is no need to recapture for aftercare. If you are able to attend to the animal, you can spray betadine on the stitches to increase the pace of healing.

If you are reluctant to sterilize animals due to their “right to litter” or “karma” or because it’s “sinful” - consider this: one pair of fertile cats, together with their offspring, can result in 420,000 kittens in seven years; and one pair of fertile dogs, with their offspring, can result in 4,372 puppies. 

There is a fine line between faith and rationality that even the most religious of people understand. If it is their “karma” to give birth, then it may also be their “karma” to cease littering upon human intervention. If it is “sinful” to sterilize, it is also “sinful” to neglect a suffering animal for your own merit. If it is their “right to litter”, you can very well house them all.

Photo by Claudio Herrera from Pexels.