Sterilizing companion animals is an effective way to curb uncontrolled population growth. For years, such procedures have been funded by local governments. A private company has also launched its own campaign, financing surgeries in exchange for the opportunity to obtain biological material for research and development of its veterinary products.
Earlier this week, we reported that the Wrocław City Hall is conducting a tender to select veterinary clinics that will perform microchipping, castration, and sterilization procedures this season. Wrocław residents are eligible to use these city-funded services.
Meanwhile, the “Sterilization Campaign” organized by the Wrocław-based veterinary biotechnology company Bioceltix is taking place in parallel. As part of the upcoming edition, procedures are scheduled for March and April, and the qualification process has already begun.
“Awareness among guardians about their animals’ health needs is growing. We are pleased to expand access to free procedures, as spaying a female dog is unfortunately an expensive operation, currently costing close to 1,000 PLN. Not every guardian can afford it. Yet it is a very important preventive health measure: it reduces the risk of reproductive system diseases and significantly contributes to a longer and healthier life for the animal. We have a limited number of places available, so it’s worth applying as soon as possible,” says Paweł Wielgus of Bioceltix.
The company finances the procedures in exchange for the opportunity to obtain biological material for research and development of its veterinary medicinal products. Veterinarians performing the surgeries as part of the campaign provide the company with biological waste generated during the operations. Representatives of the biotech firm emphasize that the entire process takes place without the slightest harm to the animals and remains under the supervision of the relevant veterinary authorities, the Main Pharmaceutical Inspectorate, and the European Medicines Agency.
Female dogs eligible for the free procedure under the “Sterilization Campaign” must be 12–36 months old, weigh at least 15 kg, and must not have been previously bred. The animals must be healthy and microchipped (if not, the company can also cover the cost of microchipping). Importantly, applicants do not have to be residents of Wrocław to enroll their dog in the program.
The organizers stress that sterilization brings tangible benefits. The initiative aims to reduce overpopulation and homelessness among companion animals. Another objective is to educate guardians about pet health and raise awareness of the importance of sterilization procedures.
“Spaying significantly reduces the risk of mammary gland cancer. Another important argument in favor of the procedure is limiting uncontrolled breeding. If we fail to monitor this issue, shelters may become overcrowded and the number of unwanted, homeless animals may increase,” adds Paweł Wielgus of Bioceltix.
Applications for the “Sterilization Campaign with Bioceltix” are accepted via the form available on the company’s website. The procedure itself and follow-up visits are free of charge. The owner only covers the cost of the qualifying examinations (approximately 90 PLN).
Article available at: https://wroclife.pl/