Dozens of cats and dogs on the island of Mangaia have been desexed thanks to a programme by Te Are Manu vet clinic.

The programme, which began on Friday, has been done with the assistance of the Ministry for Agriculture, who completed a survey of cats and dogs on the island before Te Are Manu staff arrived.

Vet Dr Michael Baer said it had been a very welcoming experience, with most of the villages’ cats and dogs desexed already.

“We’ve been delighted by how welcoming everyone has been, and we’re impressed with the health of the animals,” Baer said.

“Anyone on the island who wishes to bring in their animal to be desexed is welcomed.

“It’s been a great opportunity to offer the service to the Pa Enua, and we hope to take it to other islands in the future.”

Baer said it had also found time to administer fleas and worms treatments for cats and dogs, along with helping treat livestock such as pigs and goats.