Visiting American Vets Highlight Shortage of Basic Equipment in Local Sterilisation Campaign
Seychelles’ beloved cats and dogs may soon be breathing a little easier—but not without a few growing pains. Visiting American veterinary professionals, currently volunteering in this year’s national mass sterilisation campaign, have raised the alarm over a shortage of basic medical equipment and resources, shedding light on the challenges faced by local animal welfare efforts.
The team of volunteers, working alongside Seychelles’ veterinary services and animal welfare NGO Be KIND, is participating in a groundbreaking collaboration to reduce the number of stray animals and promote humane population control.
But while the spirit of the campaign is strong, the visiting vets say the lack of essential supplies—from sterilisation tools to recovery equipment—makes the work significantly harder.
“We were expecting challenges, but we weren’t prepared for the sheer lack of basic infrastructure,” said Dr. Ashley H., one of the lead American vets. “What’s happening here is inspiring—there’s real dedication on the ground—but the tools are just not keeping pace with the demand.”
Despite the hurdles, the joint operation has already successfully sterilised hundreds of animals across Mahé and Praslin, thanks to the tireless work of both international and Seychellois volunteers.
Be KIND, which coordinated the collaboration, echoed the concerns raised by the team and called for urgent investment to support long-term animal welfare infrastructure. “We are proud of this partnership and what we’ve accomplished so far,” a spokesperson for the NGO said. “But without proper equipment, we’re fighting an uphill battle.”
The Seychelles Times understands that discussions are underway with both public and private stakeholders to explore sustainable funding and supply chains for future campaigns.
For now, the message is clear: animal welfare in Seychelles needs more than just compassion—it needs investment, planning, and the tools to match the passion.
