From 17 June to 11 July 2025, we joined an international charity campaign to neuter dogs and cats in Kazakhstan. Veterinary surgeons performed 1,850 operations in 25 days. Their patients included owned and stray animals, both male and female.
25 days across six cities
The campaign visited Tekeli, Taldykorgan, Talgar, Mynbayevo (DOS), Zhezkazgan and Balkhash. The international team included surgeons, an anaesthetist, assistants and coordinators. Many participants gave up their annual leave and worked without days off. Everyone volunteered their time.
The Shunn u Katun team
Two people represented our clinic. Veterinarian Anna Pinkus performed hundreds of operations and cared for every patient. Clinic director Vasiliy Malyukov worked as a coordinator and volunteer, handling organisational tasks and helping at the campaign sites. We are glad to have been part of this team.
Why neutering matters
Neutering prevents reproduction. In community programmes, it can reduce the number of unwanted litters and form part of humane animal population management. This work requires an assessment of local conditions, high veterinary standards, pain relief, postoperative care and continuity after a single campaign ends. A vet should make an individual recommendation for an owned animal after weighing the benefits and possible risks.
The knowledge stays with the community
Local vets and volunteers gained knowledge and practical experience during the campaign. This matters because, after the international team leaves, the people who live nearby and know their cities can continue the work.
The people who made the work possible
The campaign was supported by Fondation Brigitte Bardot in France and Tierschutz Entwicklungshilfe e.V. in Germany. Local organisations, municipal administrations, animal advocates and dozens of volunteers worked alongside us. Thank you to everyone who treated patients, organised the work, lent a hand or simply found a kind word during a long working day.
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