Várzea Grande, Brazil, Implements Permanent Animal Protection Program with Sterilization and Microchiping

The Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Rural Development in Várzea Grande is finalising a public tender that will accredit veterinary clinics to carry out free sterilisation and microchip implantation for stray animals. The service is slated to begin by the end of 2026, with an initial goal of sterilising about 1,500 animals and introducing microchip identification to curb abandonment.

The programme stems from a 2025 adjustment term signed by Mayor Flávia Moretti with the State Public Prosecutor, establishing a permanent policy for animal protection, population control and identification. Earlier, the city launched the "Abril Laranja" campaign, featuring school talks, rabies vaccination, donation drives and an adoption fair. During that event the mayor announced the acquisition of a mobile sterilisation unit (castramóvel) to extend free services to low‑income families. The municipal government also hired veterinary doctors and strengthened animal‑abuse monitoring through a partnership with the municipal guard.