There’s a growing population of stray animals on our streets and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals records hundreds every year.

This comes as the SPCA and a group of veterinarians from overseas are currently conducting a de-sexing clinic this week – to help manage the number of roaming dogs and cats.

USA Veterinarian Dr Kimberley Khodakhah says stray animals are usually poorly cared for and often carry diseases.

“There’s a lot of stray animals around and so i know that causes a problem with driving at night and car accidents and injury to animals. Which is really a big problem. If you can’t find homes or fosters. They get euthanized. They transfer diseases if they’re not vaccinated.”

Dr Khodakhah says stray animals pose a great threat.

“Most obviously are zoonotic type diseases which are parasitic, infectious like Leptospirosis. Different worms so there are a variety of situations here in the community – the Fiji Islands where we want to reduce that.”

Head co-ordinator for the initiative, Shaneel Narayan says last year the SPCA recorded more than eight hundred stray dogs and cats.

The clinic also aims to de-sex five hundred animals this week – including companion animals.