Mayhew International has been supporting the development of companion animal welfare in Russia since 2001.
Background
The city of Moscow has an estimated population of 30,000 stray dogs and a more elusive population of stray cats. Historically, the city government had attempted to control the stray population with a “catch and kill” regime and stray dogs are the main targets due to their high visibility and social welfare concerns over disease (rabies) and safety (dog attacks). A citywide sterilisation programme for stray dogs was introduced seven years ago, in part due to the efforts of The Mayhew Animal Home. Mayhew International continues to work with the Moscow City authorities on a consultative basis to find a more effective method of implementing their stray animals management programme.
Mayhew International in Moscow
Mayhew International has become increasingly aware of the large number of apartment shelters in Moscow that are in need of assistance, particularly with regards to veterinary care. In response, we currently offer a vaccination and spay & neuter programme for dogs and cats in the care of private apartment shelters. We also hope to promote the programme as a model for the City authorities. To find out more about Mayhew International’s Moscow Community Sterilisation Project, please click here.
Our Russian network - Moscow Animals
Mayhew International has developed strong working relationships with animal welfare groups in Moscow. In 2001 we provided veterinary training and a gas anaesthesia machine for the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s (IFAW) mobile clinic project, “TESS”, in Moscow. We continue to support their sterilisation programme by offering training for their Russian vets and shelter workers. Their newest vet, Tatiana Kryakhova, attended the Mayhew International Veterinary Training Programme in April 2008.
In addition, we offer advice and fundraising support to Moscow Animals, a group of expats and locals with an interest in helping Moscow’s homeless animals. Moscow Animals supports a number of private shelters and operates a rescue & rehoming programme through their website. Mayhew International works to ensure that all the dogs and cats in the private shelters supported by Moscow Animals are vaccinated and neutered before they are adopted. Click here to visit Moscow Animals.