IPB University Holds Free Cat Sterilization Event to Control Population and Educate the Public
The Educational Veterinary Hospital (RSHP) of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SKHB) at IPB University held a free cat sterilization event in celebration of World Veterinary Day 2026 at the Dramaga Campus in Bogor (4/24). This program aims to reduce the stray cat population while raising public awareness about animal welfare and environmental health.
The Executive Director of RSHP and Dean of SKHB at IPB University, Prof Amrozi, emphasized that this facility serves as a center for service, learning, and community outreach. Established in 2002, RSHP IPB has become a vital resource for students to gain hands on clinical experience. “Here, students learn while the community receives services. We will continue to promote activities like this as a regular agenda,” he said.
He explained that the increase in the stray cat population is driven by the breeding season as well as the practice of abandoning cats on campus grounds. Without control, this situation has the potential to create new problems. “Many people assume that cats will be taken care of if abandoned on campus. But that’s not always the case. If left uncontrolled, their numbers will keep growing,” he explained.
Assistant Director of the IPB University Animal Hospital, Dr drh Leni Meylina, noted that this initiative involves collaboration among various parties, including the Indonesian Veterinary Doctors Association (PDHI) West Java II Branch, students, as well as partner clinics and animal welfare organizations. No fewer than 35 volunteer veterinarians, faculty members, and dozens of students were involved in handling the capture, surgery, and post-operative care processes.
“The target of this initiative is stray cats in the IPB Dramaga campus area. We’re also offering a limited quota for pet cats owned by the academic community,” she explained.
Participant enthusiasm was high. In less than 12 hours, around 150 cats were registered, exceeding the target of 100. Approximately 60 pet cats could be accommodated, while the rest were placed on a waiting list.
According to her, sterilization is an effective step to control the population while preventing negative impacts on the environment. “When their numbers are uncontrolled, cats are often viewed as pests and treated inhumanely. Through sterilization, population control can be carried out in a more ethical manner,” she stated.
The Chairperson of the West Java II Branch of the Indonesian Veterinary Doctors Association (PDHI), drh Soenarti Daroendio, added that without proper control, the population of feral cats can trigger shifts in public perception, ultimately leading to mistreatment. Therefore, sterilization serves as a sustainable solution while also helping to mitigate the risk of zoonotic diseases.
In line with the theme of World Veterinary Day 2026, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Animal Health, Food Safety, and Public Health,” this initiative underscores the role of veterinarians in safeguarding the health of both animals and the public as a whole. (AS) (IAAS/PRO)
