BANJUL CLINIC
February 2007

Despite several last-minute problems concerning where we were holding the Clinic, the programme was a great success.  In Banjul some 42 dogs were caught; of these 27 females and 11 males were neutered, given anti-rabies vaccinations, microchipped and ear-notched for ID.  One dog was caught but found to be microchipped, searching the records revealed she had been done in January 2006 & the ear tip was not easily noticed.

Two dogs had to be put to sleep and one died shortly after arrival.

This means that around 70 dogs in Banjul have now been neutered and treated by GambiCats. since January 2006.

This is only part of the picture, however, as some 26 other dogs and 7 cats were also neutered at the Clinic. These were strays being re-homed and some from Gambians who heard about the Clinic & brought in their animals.

*****The total number of animals neutered during the 9 days was a staggering 71! ****

We ended up by using the Port facility as in 2006. Efforts were made for some 2 months to find a more central location and when we boarded the plane at Gatwick we thought the Banjul City Council had found a place. When we reached Banjul we were told it was not available! Luckily Matar and Sol at the Port were prepared and swung into action - the room  was cleared and cleaned in a day! We set up on Friday and began operating....

GambiCats would like to thank Sue Harvey & Suzanne Jones, the vet and nurse for their splendid work - 71 animals in 9 days in these conditions is an amazing achievement. Also, Dodou, Alhajie, Lamin and Foday for their success in catching and handling the dogs, no easy matter in the crowded streets of Banjul.

We also thank many helpers/sponsors including RSPCA, WSPA, CP West Lothian, Arnolds, Dogs Trust, SNIP International, Monarch, Pam Pitman, WVS, Merial, Pfizer, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Alstoe, Animal Care, Priory Vets Cardigan, Bridge Vet Group & many others. In The Gambia our thanks go to the Dept of Livestock Services and the Gambia Port Authority, and Dr Ceesay.