Baark!
(Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) have been busy so far in
2015; Fundraising at their exciting new ‘Carnivale Night’ event and putting the
money to work with their spay/neuter and education projects, creating cleaner, safer
and more responsible communities in the Bahamas.
After being an integral part of Operation Potcat in
January/February where 406 cats were spayed/neutered in just 5 days, Baark! has
continued the important work to reduce the number of homeless animals on our
streets through sterilization programs such as TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and
providing subsidies for low-income families with owned pets. To reduce the
risks of Canine Distemper which was widespread in 2014, Baark! is also
providing free vaccinations for dogs before their spay/neuter surgeries.
Education on animal
welfare comes in tandem with the spay/neuter and is of utmost importance to the
program’s success. Baark! has already held two interactive kids camps at the
Bahamas Humane Society, the first for 14 children from Gambier Primary School,
ranging in age from 4 to 11 and the second for 23 Grade Three students from
Adelaide Primary School. The youngsters learn about having compassion and
respect for animals and how to be responsible pet owners. This is
donethrough classroom-based activities, hands-on practical encounters
with the shelter animals and question and answer sessions with Inspectors and
staff.
“It is hoped by running
these camps we are creating and cultivatinganimal ambassadors in the
various Nassau communities” said education co-ordinator Shelley Hardman “With
all the cruelty and neglect that we witness on a regular basis, not just towards
animals but also amongst people,we are trying to create a future
generation of compassionate individuals who are capable of great empathy toward
their fellow Bahamians and the animals they share this beautiful Island with”.
Baark! does not receive any government funding so rely
solely on donations from supporters and their own fundraising efforts. They
raised an incredible $28,000 at the first “Carnviale Night’ held at 1er Cru on
April 17th. Attendees enjoyed circus style stilt walking and
juggling performances, delicious food, music from Jukebox Live Band an array of
prize winning games including ‘the fastest inflatable obstacle course time’ and
the very popular ‘slowest bike race’. The event was sponsored by Think Simple,
Odyssey Aviation, Purina, Graham Real Estate, Happy Pets Animal Hospital and
Bahamar Believe Foundation.
Baark’s goal each year is to provide 1,000 free or
subsidized spay/neuters. “Last year we were thrilled to exceed our goal and
completed 1121 surgeries, 755 dogs and 366 cats.” said Baark! President Laura
Kimble “ with all of our programs in place for 2015 we are well on our way to
reaching this goal once again”.
The charity are holding two spay/neuter promotions for
low-income families in May, one each for cats and dogs. Dogs can be sterilized for a co-pay of just
$10 each and cats can be done for free if bought to the Bahamas Humane Society
between 8-10am on Sunday May 17th. “We hope people who really need
help will come forward with their pets and take advantage of these offers”
added Ms Kimble.
To
make an appointment or for more information people can call Baark! on 427-SPAY
(7729).