On the occasion of World Spay Day, observed each year on the last Tuesday of February, attention is renewed on one of the most effective tools to combat stray animal populations and promote animal welfare: spaying and neutering.

Prevention is the first concrete step in breaking the cycle of unwanted litters, abandonment, and overcrowding in shelters. Acting before the problem escalates means reducing animal suffering and promoting a more responsible and conscious approach to companion animal care.

OIPA ETS strongly supports the importance of spaying and neutering as part of a broader strategy based on prevention, mandatory identification, and responsible ownership.

As stated by Massimo Pradella, President of OIPA International: “Sterilisation is a fundamental tool to prevent stray populations and reduce animal suffering. It is a responsible choice that protects not only the individual animal, but the entire community.”

OIPA’s Commitment in Italy and Worldwide

OIPA promotes and supports sterilisation programmes both in Italy and internationally, working alongside veterinarians, volunteers, and local partners to implement ethical, sustainable, and long-term interventions.

Among its recent initiatives is a programme carried out in Cameroon, aimed at preventing the uncontrolled growth of dog and cat populations in areas where access to veterinary services is limited. Projects such as this demonstrate that prevention is the most effective and structural solution to addressing stray animal issues.

Through these interventions, OIPA works to build lasting solutions by addressing the root causes of stray animal populations and promoting a culture of responsibility.

What You Can Do ?

World Spay Day is also an opportunity to remember that everyone can actively contribute to prevention.

Five concrete actions you can take today:

  • Spay or neuter your pet
  • Support local prevention programmes
  • Raise awareness
  • Participate in community initiatives
  • Make a donation to support the sterilisation programmes of OIPA  in Italy and around the world.

When making your donation, you can specify “sterilisation” in the payment reference to ensure your contribution supports this specific area of intervention.