WHAT WE DO...

paws of nusa penida CNR program (catch, neuter, release)

Why Sterilisation Matters

In the past, the traditional way to control dog and cat populations on the island was heartbreaking — unwanted litters of puppies and kittens were often dumped far away from homes, left to survive or perish on their own.

When tourism arrived, visiting tourists began finding these abandoned animals and rescuing them, often calling us to take them in. While this saved many lives, with an estimated 50,000 dogs and 30,000 cats on the island, it’s clear this approach is not sustainable.

The only compassionate and effective way to control the population is through CNR (Catch, Neuter, Release). Prevention is always better than cure. By reducing the number of street dogs and encouraging more responsible ownership — including vaccination and sterilisation — we can prevent unwanted litters from being abandoned along the roads and improve the overall health of the island’s animal population.

Alongside sterilisation, we are also rolling out an education program that focuses on:

• Basic animal health and welfare

• The importance of vaccinating and sterilising pets

• Understanding zoonotic diseases

• The joy and value of having companion animals

• The serious consequences of abandoning unwanted litters — including hungry dogs predating on livestock

Through a combination of sterilisation and education, we can build a kinder, healthier, and more sustainable future for the island’s animals.