The Koh Lipe Dogs & Cats VET Project is a self motivated idea by some idealistic people.

In February 2010, I spent two weeks on the tiny Thai island of Koh Lipe, inhabited by Chao Ley (Urak Iawoi). Prior to my departure to Thailand I made inquiries whether there was a animal health plan or not – there hadn’t been one.

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So I crammed half my suitcase with antiparasitics, high nutrient food and the like and spent my holidays amidst 200 stray dogs and equally many cats which reacted in a very relaxed manner to being treated. The trust the animals have in human beings is caused by the fact that people like and feed their animals.

Since my initiative was welcomed by the Chao Ley, by tourists and by the resort managers, I had the idea of establishing an animal health/castration project, because the density of the dog population is of no relation to the island’s size!

I am planning the project from July 3 to July 18, together with two very experienced surgeons, two veterinary students as assistants and our web designer and photographer Peter Paltinger.

We are planning on castrating 80 dogs (bitches), equally many cats, conduct orthopedic operations and treat ailments and illnesses. Furthermore, we are planning on treating all of the island’s cats and dogs with antiparasitics to improve the situation of people and animals living alongside in such a close way.
It is also an objective to instruct the Chao Ley in the field of treating parasite infestation to guarantee sustainable success. Additionally, we are planning to include Thai veterinarians in our project.

Because those animals are noble creatures and they belong to the history of the first settlements on this island we are looking to help improving their hygienic and living conditions. The Koh Lipe Dogs & Cats VET Project is hosted by vet doctors from Europe and Thailand.

Text: Clarissa Udvardi
Translation: Georg Rotomer

After succsessful operations in cooperation with the Thai Vet Team from the Livestock Development Departement in july 2010, we are currently organizing the next KOH LIPE VET PROJECT