A Mission Making a Difference
What do dogs and sea turtles have in common? Usually nothing, but on the southern Pacific coast of Mexico, the stray dog population effects the survival of sea turtles in ways that most people have never considered. The local dogs feed on hatchlings, eggs and even occasionally nesting adults. These beaches are among the most important nesting sites in the world for many species of sea turtles, including the extremely endangered leatherback turtle.
In 2000, Dr. Hugh Davis and his wife, Nancy Fantom, had the unique opportunity to become part of the first trip to the coast of Oaxaca to participate in a spay/neuter mission to help reduce the numbers of dogs in small villages near these nesting beaches. Along with Dr. Richard Rodger of Grafton, MA , the founder of the project, and several other veterinarians and volunteers, Nancy and Hugh traveled to Mazunte, Mexico and a passion for this mission, the area and its people, the welfare of the dogs, and protection of the sea turtles began and has continued for 15 years.
In the early years, one small team worked in a village every day for 5 days and less than 100 dogs were spayed or neutered. In the last few years, the project has grown to 3 teams, each with several veterinarians,working in different locations for 5 days and in January of 2015 over 300 animals received surgery free of charge. There are fewer dogs on the beaches and in the villages and they are better cared for and healthier. There have also been no incidents of dogs attacking adult turtles on the primary nesting beaches. The mission has clearly had a positive effect on the area.
The Mazunte Project, as it is now known, works in partnership with local sea turtle conservation projects to ensure the sites for surgery are close to the nesting beaches and benefit the local people who have limited access to veterinary care for their dogs. One project, Palmerito Turtle Rescue, is funded solely through donations and one man, Dr. Marcelino Lopes-Reyes, is entirely responsible for patrolling a large beach and protecting thousands of hatchlings every year. Dr. Davis and his family are personal supporters of this project and encourage our NVH family to join us in this mission.
