Rio de Janeiro recently debuted a radical program to sterilize its hordes of unwanted animals, sending a roving mini-van called the
“Castramobile” into the streets of its teeming slums.
Residents and animal protection groups have clamored for the city to find humane ways to reduce the unwanted pet population, which is estimated to grow by 15 puppies and 45 kittens born for every human infant.
“Castramobile” is Rio’s answer. It offers free castration and spaying for cats and dogs.
“It’s no good catching the animals and killing them. Apart from humane considerations, it’s a question of mathematics. If a dogcatcher picks up a dog that mated with two mutts, he kills one, but somewhere else at least 10 puppies are being born,” said Isabel Nascimento of the animal protection group Suipa.
The city has trained 54 police to handle the animals, including pit bulls, which have terrorized beachgoers.
