Choapa, Chile rolls out livestock support and free pet sterilization initiative

The regional government in Choapa province is providing winter assistance to livestock families. Around 4,152 bales of forage and veterinary supplies have been distributed to producers in Salamanca, Illapel and nearby communities, backed by an investment of roughly 60 million Chilean pesos. The programme, running since 2022, aims to mitigate the effects of low temperatures and water scarcity on animal husbandry.

Separately, the Copiapó municipality has opened registration for a free sterilisation programme for dogs and cats, funded by the Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Regional y Administrativo (SUBDERE). Four thousand surgeries will be performed between July and September, with registration points set up across the city. The initiative targets both owned and community animals to control population growth, reduce abandonment and improve public health, in line with Chile’s Law 21.020 on responsible pet ownership.