VSPCA makes presentation to Rotary Club

by Trudy Arthur Tue, Oct 4. 2011

Members of the Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, VSPCA, were invited to the Rotary Club meeting on September 15 to make a presentation about their mission and goals.{{more}}

Dr. Colin Boyle, a senior member of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent, introduced the two representatives of the VSPCA: Kiersten Anderson, a Peace Corps Volunteer from California and Trudy Arthur, a native of Germany living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the past 7 years. Anderson, who is the President, first approached Boyle 6 months ago with the initiative. Although several attempts were made before to get the stray animal situation under control, they were unsuccessful. Boyle, as well as the Rotarians of St. Vincent, observed the level of professionalism of the organization, as well as the overdue necessity of such an endeavour. In a very short time, the group of about 18, led by Directors Kiersten Anderson, Margaret Ferrari, and Dr. Coleen Philips, have made great strides and have high hopes, with realistic perspectives, on the challenges that lay ahead.

The presentation included a number of devastating, yet unaltered, pictures of animals photographed in Kingstown, sleeping in gutters, in front of shops or lying dead in the road. Unfortunately, this is a daily reality. Anderson pointed out that priority is set on promoting public awareness and understanding of the proper care of animals and to strengthen the human/animal bond. Immediate plans are to set up a mobile clinic with the hopes that those who cannot easily travel with their animals will have access to sterilization, vaccination and general animal welfare services. To achieve this, the organization is seeking funding through donations, memberships, fundraising and grants from international agencies. To become involved email: svg.awi@gmail.com, or find VSPCA on Facebook. The group is planning a fundraising event on October 4th, at Driftwood Restaurant. All are welcome to attend. Email for further details.

The president of the Rotary Club St. Vincent, Dr. Ken Onu, has promised to look into ways to help VSPCA, and has offered his full support for VSPCA.