Fundraiser set to help stray animals receive care

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A non-profit animal shelter that provides affordable veterinary care to animals throughout Columbus is asking the community to help expand their reach. 

In April, Central Ohio's Programs for Animal Welfare, or CO-PAW, launched a program to bring its veterinary services to underserved communities in Mexico. The group will be holding a fundraiser this weekend to support this cause, while also embracing and showcasing the culture of the area.  

“The name of the fundraiser is A Night in Oaxaca,” CO-PAW CEO Breona Baines said. “The fundraiser is for our international outreach program; it aims to sterilize and treat stray animals in Mexico.” 

Baines said data from one of the areas targeted by CO-PAW shows 25% of people are testing positive for intestinal parasites every year. She notes this is due in large part to the population of unaddressed strays.   

“There are about 40 million dogs and maybe 20 to 25 million cats and about 70% of them live on the street,” Baines said. “So, the average lifespan is only maybe one and a half to two years old. So, you know, they're starving.”   

The program’s goal is to service more than 12,000 animals per year for free and they have been making some strides in that effort.  

“We've partnered with several municipalities across Oaxaca, along with the local university and the vet school, to sterilize 25 cats and 25 dogs a day, Monday through Friday,” Baines said.  

A Night in Oaxaca fundraiser is scheduled for Aug. 31 at Seventh Son Brewing and features live music, performances, raffles, and more. For tickets or to donate, click here.