10th December, 2018 A team of volunteers from the South Pacific Animal Welfare (SPAW) were in Tongatapu last week offering vet treatment for the island’s animals.
SPAW visits regularly to Tonga and their free clinic at Tokomololo gets engaged every year.
New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Tonga, H.E Ms. Tiffany Babington said, “This is the 8th year SPAW has been running clinics in Tonga, with the first clinics held in 2010. I understand over 40 free clinics have been held in Tongatapu and Vava’u, including community clinics in villages.”
The challenges for animals in Tonga include;
- Roaming animals getting run over or injured on the roads daily
- Uncontrolled breeding
- Lack of vaccination resulting in animal deaths including litters of puppies dying from contagious canine parvovirus
- Lack of access to pet food
- Lack of basic flea and worm treatment and medication, and
- Animals being abused due to lack of education and understanding of animal welfare.
She said there are no professional veterinarians in Tonga; SPAW delivers a much needed temporary vet service.
“We’ve been pleased to see the SPAW clinics getting busier, with more and more dogs in particular being brought in for de-sexing, vaccinations and parasite care. I understand people have been lining up with their animals from as early as 6:30am for your clinics. I’d like to congratulate you on carrying out around (200) surgeries and (200) consultations over the week.”
“With an estimated 20, 000 dogs in Tongatapu, SPAW’s programme of de-sexing dogs and cats help with the population control.”
Ms. Babington uttered they have received requests from the outer islands for SPAW to deliver clinics in Ha’apai and ‘Eua, indicating the need on these other island groups which have no access to veterinary services.
“Your role in educating people about caring for animals is also starting to make a difference, and we’ve been pleased to see people bringing in their own and neighbors’ animals, especially truckloads of puppies, for de-sexing and vaccination. Children and families are learning how to care for animals and slowly changing their attitudes about animals.”
She stated that Tongan locals have appreciated the assistance and education conducted by SPAW regarding animal care.
Ms. Babington extended her sincere gratitude to the SPAW team for the amazing work through running temporary veterinary clinics in Tonga.
She also acknowledged the team from the Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF) for supporting SPAW.
“We hope that Tonga will be able to have full time vet clinic soon.”
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.