A Success Story from EMU’s Stray Animals Project

Within the framework of the protocol settled between Eastern Mediterranean University and TRNC Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in March 2013 and as part of the “Neuter, Vaccinate, Let Live” Campaign, two dogs, Sam and Moose, were sent to the USA with an American exchange student named Gina Laffaldano  on 20 December 2014. Sam and Moose, who both underwent heavy treatment in summer 2014, returned back to campus in good health, thanks to the devotion of the project volunteers. During her stay on the campus, exchange program student Laffaldano not only adopted them but also found two families who will open their homes to them in the USA.

Launched with the aim of improving the stray animal welfare on the campus, the campaign is based on the idea that neutering is the best way to control the stray population. Shortly called  as “Neuter, Vaccinate, Let Live” campaign, the campaign includes the stages of neutering stray animals, vaccinating them, and releasing them back into their surroundings to live out their life without any risk of breeding. The project team stated that around 70 stray dogs have benefited from the campaign since its launch date.  However, out of these 70 dogs, Sam and Moose’s story is extraordinary. Exchange student Gina Laffaldano showed a personal interest in them and upon her decision to take them to the USA, Vetline Veterinary Clinic assisted the formal procedures regarding the travel phase. Sam’s treatment was supervised by Medica Animale Veterinary Clinic and Moose’s treatment was conducted by Petcross Veterinary Clinic. Travel expenses of the two lucky dogs were funded by donations of academic staff.


Representatives of the project stated that the project will continue during the upcoming years and hopefully similar projects will be settled with other universities and local administrations.

Credit: EMU