The Municipality of San Salvador de Jujuy detected a concerning level of pet overpopulation in Alto Comedero, one of the most densely inhabited areas of the provincial capital.
According to data from the Unique Pet Registry, which already has 120,000 registered and vaccinated animals, this neighborhood has the highest index of animals per household, with an average of 14 per family and blocks that exceed 100 individuals.
Facing this scenario, the Zoonosis Department launched an intensive plan of health action, with door-to-door operations, reinforcement of sterilizations, and free vaccination.
Pet promoters: house-to-house care and community control
The program includes pet promoters who visit homes to:
- Evaluate the health status of the animals.
- Inform about free sterilization and vaccination services.
- Detect situations of risk or abuse, which may lead to sanctions or interventions.
The municipal area encourages citizens to report cases of animal abuse, to allow the quick action of the technical team.
Over a thousand sterilizations per week to address the pet overpopulation crisis
The Municipality performs around 1,000 surgeries weekly in its fixed centers and mobile operating rooms, including the new Zoonosis center in Alto Comedero, the 4 de Junio building, and other peripheral units.
Appointments are scheduled at different points such as:
- 240 Viviendas
- CIC Che Guevara
- Campo Verde
- Other neighborhood operations
With an average of 40 daily interventions per point, the campaign aims to reduce the number of unwanted births and improve community animal welfare.
Sterilizing is caring: key reasons to intervene in time
1. Overpopulation control: A single pair of dogs or cats can reproduce exponentially, generating thousands of homeless offspring. Sterilization prevents more animals from living on the streets, reducing fights, accidents, diseases and abandonment.
2. Prevention of serious illnesses:
- In females: it prevents breast tumors, uterine infections, and uterine cancer.
- In males: it reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems. It also improves their emotional state by eliminating the stress of heat cycles.
3. Behavior improvement: Sterilized pets are more balanced, calm, and easy to handle. It decreases territorial marking, escapes, and aggressiveness.
4. Responsible ownership: Sterilization is part of ethical and conscious care. It prevents pets from being used for commercial or uncontrolled breeding purposes, and avoids the suffering of unwanted litters.
5. Public health benefits: Fewer animals on the streets mean fewer zoonotic risks, bites, and road accidents.
Joint action for a healthier community
Through intensified operations, community participation, and education on responsible ownership, the Municipality of San Salvador de Jujuy seeks to reverse the animal overpopulation in Alto Comedero, ensuring the welfare of pets, public health, and safe urban coexistence.
