In just three days, 179 animals received life-saving care in underserved rural communities.
In April, OIPA International launched a campaign to support its Member League Romania Animal Rescue during a three-day spay and neuter mission in rural Romania. The initiative aimed to bring essential veterinary care to communities where animals often live without access to even the most basic treatment.
From April 27 to April 29, the veterinary team operated in the villages of Ceacu and Perisoru (Calarasi County), reaching animals in urgent need of care.
Over the course of just three days, a total of 179 animals — primarily dogs — were sterilized and treated, marking a significant step toward reducing overpopulation and preventing further suffering.
Thanks to the support of some OIPA donors, 10 spay and neuter surgeries were directly funded, contributing concretely to the success of the mission and to improving the lives of animals who would otherwise have remained without care.
From Neglect to Care: Animals Reached During the Mission
Many of the animals brought to the campaign — particularly in Ceacu, where the team worked for two days — were strays living in extremely poor conditions. They were often infested with ticks, weakened, and suffering from neglect.
Each animal received not only sterilization, but also parasite treatment and identification through ear tags and tattoos, ensuring that they are now recognized as sterilized.
At the same time, several urgent medical cases highlighted the severity of the situation.
An infant puppy weighing less than 1 kilogram was brought to the Center of Hope with a serious rectal prolapse. Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Aurelian Stefan, the puppy underwent delicate surgery and is now receiving care.
A cat with a broken and bleeding jaw, likely the result of a road accident, was also transferred for emergency treatment.
Another stray dog, found in Perisoru, was suffering from two perforated eardrums and severe fungal infections, enduring intense pain before finally receiving the care it needed.
In addition, several dogs required full grooming, as their fur was so matted that it had become a source of further suffering.
A Coordinated Effort on the Ground
This mission was made possible by the extraordinary dedication of the veterinary team led by Dr. Aurelian Stefan and Dr. Roxana Elena Sten, supported by veterinary technicians Lakmal, Ovidiu, Roshan, and Amila.
They were joined by international volunteers and members of Romania Animal Rescue, as well as local organizers and volunteers in Ceacu and Perisoru, who ensured that animals were brought in and that the campaign could run efficiently.
Their combined efforts allowed the team to reach animals who would otherwise remain invisible and without care.
Moving Forward
With this campaign, OIPA Member League, Romania Animal Rescue is approaching an extraordinary milestone of 155,000 sterilizations carried out over the years.
Yet, the situation in many rural areas of Romania remains critical. Thousands of animals still live without access to veterinary services, exposed to disease, injury, and neglect.
Each sterilization is not just a single act of care — it is a step toward breaking a cycle of suffering that affects entire generations
