Freetown, Sierra Leone is thought to have one of the highest densities of street dogs in the world.
It is estimated that there are over 100,000 dogs in Freetown, with females being more likely to be neglected, abandoned and die than males.
Dogs are usually in a very poor state of health, with serious skin, eye and ear problems, and blood-borne parasite diseases being extremely common. Rabies is endemic.
Compassionate Paws International is a UK and Sierra Leone-registered charity that specializes in providing high quality spay-neuter clinics with a focus on female dogs.
There is a severe lack of qualified veterinary professionals in Sierra Leone.
There are only 1-2 vets doing full-time clinical work in the entire country - mostly with livestock. There is no vet school.
Compassionate Paws International is the only organization in Sierra Leone providing free sterilization and veterinary treatment.
What we know about dogs in Sierra Leone:
Over 75% of roaming dogs are male
This is because females are more likely to be abandoned and die due to their reproductive potential.
89% of owners let their dogs roam in the street
In the street, they reproduce and are vulnerable to disease and injury.
33% of roaming dogs have a visible health condition
Furthermore, over 50% have a blood-borne parasite contracted by organisms such as ticks.
Success Stories
“I came to know about CPI when they came to our area looking for female dogs to sterilise, so I told them I have a female dog. They took my dog and did the surgery on it and brought her back the next day; they did well for us. I feel good about CPI’s work. You know, normally many people don't see value in dogs: they throw them away. But since CPI’s intervention, all the dogs in the area are looking nice, so we are happy about that and we thank them very much.”
— Florence & Gucci
Spay Beneficiary
“You [CPI] gave me Rosie when she was about three months old, The thought that Rosie was in the state that she was previously, and you nurtured and cared for her: you gave life to Rosie.
I was so worried about Rosie’s spay surgery but you gave me the assurance and confidence that everything will go well and it was perfectly done,
I am happy and grateful for your help. I know there are lots of dogs out there that need a lot of love and care and you guys are seeking and helping them out! I am so happy I have Rosie and Topsie, You gave me Topsie too (I named him Topsie) and they are doing very well.
I appreciate them being with me because they are very friendly and I know with time, you will do much more in the future to help more and more animals.”
— Hassanatu, Rosie & Topsie
Adopter & Spay Beneficiaries
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Dog Rescue Videos
Watch dogs being rescued. The first video is the rescue of Butter Bean, who was found tied up inside a plastic bag. The second video shows the rescue and recovery of Rosie.