Charity Works: Amigos de Animales, Simple Solutions To Complex Problems

By Danita Brisson

Over-population among San Miguel’s four-legged residents poses a threat to animals and humans. It’s the product of complex socio-economic and cultural problems that impact street strays, pampered pets and their people; because if one is at risk, all are. Amigos de Animales’ offers a simple answer. Their slogan reads: ‘Sé La Solución. ¡Esteriliza!’ loosely translated as, ‘Be the solution. Sterilize!’

On August 23, Amigos will stage a free sterilization blitz for healthy cats and dogs over four months old, at the Cuartel de Bomberos at Blvd. de La Conspiración. Animals must be accompanied throughout the process, so only one pet per person, please. Animals must not eat or drink for 12 hours before surgery to avoid grave complications. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Amigos anticipate spaying or neutering 200 plus animals by day’s end.

“Amigos de Animales is unique in San Miguel because we have a single purpose,” says volunteer Treasurer Michael Friedman. “We don’t do anything other than sterilize animals. There are many other great organizations here working on animal welfare. We reach out to those groups and work together. We do not do trap/neuter/release, (of strays) because it’s really tough to ensure their safety during the recovery period, when they are vulnerable.”

In addition to their 4 annual large-scale blitzes, Amigos run informal, monthly clinics for small, independent rescues who bring a combined 30 animals on each occasion. Unlike the public events, these are by appointment only to avoid having surrendered or feral cats and dogs crossing paths. In outlying communities where the problem of overpopulation is most severe, Amigos stage smaller weekly mobile events. Local Delegados or Delegadas, the unofficial mayors, arrange the logistics. Veterinarians sterilize 20 to 30 animals per clinic, a fraction of their rescue and feral communities. Without accurate census figures, they judge success on anecdotal data. “The key to breaking the reproductive cycle is returning to the same centers 4 or 5 consecutive weeks,” Michael explains. “That’s how we curb those populations permanently.”

According to Amigos’ website, sterilizing greatly reduces an animal’s risk of developing many reproductive health issues. It also significantly decreases roaming, aggression, and urine marking by cats and dogs. Neutered dogs live 1 to 3 years longer on average and cats live 3 to 5 years longer than their counterparts. Of all animals injured in fights or hit by cars, 80% are intact male dogs. By arranging free sterilizations, Amigos help eliminate the suffering, misery and risk of unwanted or homeless animals in San Miguel and outlying areas. 

It costs Amigos around $65,000 USD annually to provide these services at no charge. This is possible due to an agreement struck over 20 years ago with the Guanajuato State Department of Health. Michael explains: “We have access to their vets, 2 doctors once a week for our campo clinics and 20 to 22 doctors 4 times annually for our big clinics. Since the space and vet services are free, our cost is for the medications, $250 pesos per animal for a lower-cost male sterilization. In a private clinic that would cost anywhere from $700 to $2,000 pesos.”  The State also benefits from this relationship. “During COVID when the State had no funding for their own medications, we funded them. As a 501(c)3 in the US, we are required to have 2 years’ operating capital in the bank, so (throughout the pandemic) we kept going, and we bought meds for the State,” Michael advised.

Amigos receives no financial or other support from the City. However, due to the assistance of the State, the generosity of some major donors, contributions from grateful pet owners, and the success of their annual garage sale, their 110 active volunteers have provided a free solution to the animal overpopulation problem, year-round since 2001.

While fundraising is always an issue, a more complex challenge is changing the local culture surrounding animal welfare. Amigos believes reaching children to talk about responsible pet ownership is the most effective route to achieve this. “Of the 64 primary schools in San Miguel, we’re allowed in 13 with our mascot Arnie, who teaches 8 to 10 year olds about animal care. We’d love to be in all the schools. We’d also like to participate in family events with Arnie, and bring the kids our coloring books that carry the animal care message.”

If you have a simple solution to Michael’s complex problem, be an Amigo and share it, at info@amigos-sma.org or +52 152 120 0735