APC Report to General Meeting
March 10, 2009

  • Three APC members, Ana Lewis, Marge Hummel, and Maureen Fatin met on March 6th. Committee members not present are Lupita Meza, Karen Olesen, Tyler Henshaw and Melanie Blair. It was decided that $10,000 pesos be requested to:

    • 1) Continue spay/neuter clinics in this town

    2) Continue a vaccination program

    3) Continue a flea, tick, and other parasite irradication program

    4) Purchase important items in the wish list

    5) Continue a homeless animal adoption program which includes helping new owners, when necessary, with transportation to new destinations and the purchase of health certificates and vaccinations

    6) Continue humane education and health and sanitation education relating to the handling and ownership of animals

    7) Help pay the local vet for emergency animal services for homeless animals and for pets of low income people

  • Spay/neuter clinics have been proven to be very successful in reducing animal overpopulation which in turn reduces the problems associated with overpopulation, such as predation of pets and wildlife, the spreading of contagious parasites and other diseases, and excrement and other nuisance problems. Vaccination, parasite irradication, adoption, and humane and health ed. programs improve the overall health and welfare of the community.

    During the last spay/neuter clinic here in Lo de Marcos, Nov. 3-5, 60 dogs and cats were fixed and treated for internal and external parasites. I, Ana, sponsored the clinic at a cost of approx. $3500 pesos, but am not in a position to do this repeatedly. Some donations were received then, but not near enough to offset expenditures. Normally the clinic personnel request a fee from the organizing party or parties in each community, but it was waived this last time because I didn't have it. Luckily housing was donated, but would cost approx. $2400 for three days for 3-4 people. Add to this meals, snacks and beverages for vet staff & volunteers during clinic hours, evening meals for vets and staff, laundry services, vet and staff fees, food for clinic animals requiring more than a day stay, and gas and other misc. expenses, and the total cost of a clinic COULD run as much as $7500 pesos. Donated services and items are much appreciated and insure more funds for the other programs already mentioned.

    So far in 2009 there were 3 serious animal medical emergencies requiring my and the local vet Marcelino's help, and many animals have already been treated for parasites.

    Also so far in 2009, Marjorie from Canada donated $1000 pesos and some collars and food; a Mexican family from Guadalajara donated $1000; Anne Henshaw from Alaska donated a bag of flea & tick tubes, collars and gauze bandages; Sandy Villa from Sayulita adopted a  fixed dog and donated a small animal crate; Don & Ruth Cebuliak from Canada adopted a fixed beach dog and donated 2 large bags of dog food; Zolt & Whitney Palcza in Lo de Marcos adopted a fixed dog and donated $1000 pesos. 

    Between the Nov. 2008 clinic and now, 9 dogs and 1 cat, all fixed, have been adopted, and Dan & Marney here in Lo de Marcos are fostering 2 beautiful fixed cats awaiting adoption.    

    This comittee's wish list includes:
         A large animal trap
         A small animal trap
         Fireman's gloves
         A catch pole
         Foster parents for animals awaiting adoption
         Large & small animal crates
         Collars and leashes
         Animal food & water dishes & water dispensers
         Animal beds
         Flea & tick spray & tubes
         Worm/parasite pills
         Used (stained is fine) sheets, towels and pillows
         Rain proof dog houses
         Stethescopes
         Digital rectal thermometers
         Dog & cat food
         Grooming shears