The free neutering program in Gualeguaychú has reached 9,744 interventions since the start of the current administration.
Surgeries are performed from Monday to Friday in the morning, with additional operations every 15 days on Friday afternoons, and are only suspended due to rain or holidays. This schedule allowed for the coverage of all requested appointments and reached different neighborhoods in the city.
Special Days and Vaccination
Last weekend, the “Guanimal Day” took place, with 204 neuterings in two days.
- On Saturday, at the Munilla Market, a 95% attendance was recorded.
- In the afternoon, the operation moved to the Los Espinillos neighborhood, where more than 30 animals in vulnerable situations were treated.
In parallel, a rabies campaign was conducted, reaching 123 animals.
Accumulated Data
- 2024: 4,848 neuterings (2,451 dogs and 2,397 cats).
- 2025: 3,652 neuterings (1,819 dogs and 1,833 cats).
- 2026: 1,244 neuterings (627 dogs and 617 cats).
Additionally, between January and May of 2026, there were 73 primary health care services and 814 rabies vaccinations (688 canines and 126 felines). 77.6% of the immunized animals were already neutered.
Benefits of Neutering
- In females: prevents life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra) and reduces mammary and ovarian tumors.
- In males: eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces prostate problems.
- Behavior: decreases the need to escape in search of females in heat, urine marking, and aggressive behaviors.
Community Impact
Neutering is key for responsible pet ownership:
- Reduces the number of homeless animals.
- Prevents unwanted litters that end up abandoned or mistreated.
- Decreases traffic accidents caused by stray animals.
- Reduces noise and night fights.
- Promotes equity, ensuring free access for all social sectors.
Public Health and Prevention
The campaign intensified after a rabies case was detected in a bat. Controlling the animal population helps prevent zoonoses like rabies and other parasitic infections, protecting both pets and the community.
Access in Buenos Aires
In the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, there is also a free neutering service:
- Requirements: animals over 6 months old, 12-hour fasting, cats in secure cages.
- Care centers: fixed and mobile in different neighborhoods.
- Appointments: reserved in the official Castration CABA system.
The Gualeguaychú program shows how the combination of neutering and vaccination campaigns strengthens public health, animal welfare, and community coexistence.
With almost 10,000 interventions, the city positions itself as a leader in population control policies and zoonotic disease prevention.
