Santander Governor's Program Treats Over 5,600 Dogs and Cats

The Government of Santander, led by Governor Juvenal Díaz Mateus and First Lady Victoria Casallas, has delivered free veterinary services to 5,665 animals across 29 municipalities between 2024 and early 2026. The initiative provided sterilization for 4,860 dogs and cats and desparasitation and vitaminization for another 805, aiming to curb stray populations, prevent disease, and promote responsible pet ownership.

Local resident Lina Patricia Muñoz Uribe praised the effort, saying, “I thank the Gobernación for the sterilization program that reached our municipality. It is very important because we contribute to a better quality of life for our pets.” The program is coordinated with municipal mayors, the Department’s Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, and community groups, and will continue expanding its free services throughout the department.

The initiative is presented as a public‑health and social‑cohesion measure, seeking to reduce sanitary risks and strengthen community respect for animal life.