Nova Iguaçu performs over 4,400 pet sterilizations in first year of new animal protection secretariat

The Municipal Secretariat for Animal Defense and Protection (Semdepa) in Nova Iguaçu reported performing 4,448 sterilizations of dogs and cats during its first year of operation, between October 2025 and July 2026. This represents an increase of over 164% compared to the 1,682 procedures conducted in previous years before the secretariat was established.

During a celebration at the Sylvio Monteiro Theater, the municipality also honored 65 independent animal protectors and distributed the first ‘Protector ID Cards’. The city’s animal welfare efforts include five contracted veterinary clinics and a mobile sterilization unit (Castramóvel) that serves various regions. Additionally, the secretariat has conducted 20 adoption campaigns and manages reports of animal abuse.