“Trap, Neuter, Release” (TNR) clinics differ are designed to target stray dogs, and are by far the most effective, compassionate means of controlling the number of puppies born onto the streets.

TNR initiatives aim to tackle the issue of rising strays at the root, specifically sterilising those dogs who are victims of uncontrolled breeding and ensuring that the number of unwanted births are dramatically lowered. Whilst it might seem sad to release dogs back onto the streets after receiving treatment, these initiatives have been extensively researched and are carried out to the highest ethical standards.

Here’s an insight into how a Bon Jardin x Wild at Heart TNR clinic operates:

Trap
Thanks to the kindness of the people in the area where Bon Jardin are based, most local strays are relatively trusting of humans, and coaxing them into a vet’s care is a straightforward task. Even for the more wary characters, the upmost precaution is taken to capture the dogs without causing any harm or undue stress.

Once the dogs have been caught, they are taken the temple to be weighed, vet checked and cleared for surgery.

Neuter (or Spay!)
Once the dog is sedated, a surgeon begins the sterilisation procedure. Surgeons trained in the field of mass sterilisation work remarkably quickly and efficiently; if no complications arise (such as an infected uterus or prior injury), females are neutered in an average of 40 minutes, and males in just 15!

TNR surgeons are trained in specialist sterilisation methods to ensure quick healing and to minimise the risk of infection. Whilst undergoing treatment, each dog will also receive full vaccinations – including against rabies – and will be tattooed to show they have been sterilised. Bon Jardin take their commitment to the care of strays in their area seriously, and microchip any dogs returning to the street so they can be traced back to the shelter should any complications occur.

Release
After the dogs come to from their anaesthetic, they can expect to be soothed by a member of the Bon Jardin (or, on our latest project visit, Wild at Heart Foundation!) team. When they’re ready, they are driven back to the area they came from. Here they are greeted by their doggy friends as well as the human community who care for them.

Whilst it would be wonderful to live in a world where all dogs have a home to go to, it’s a sad fact that there are still hundreds of millions of strays around the world; with shelters already full, and adoptive homes in short supply, we’re grateful that there are streets like these that feed and look out for the dogs that have become their neighbours.

The results
In areas where TNR campaigns are regularly carried out, the results are tangible, and birth rates drop dramatically. Projects like this are a direct result of our supporters’ donations – thanks to your generosity, we have funded the sterilisation of hundreds of dogs through Bon Jardin’s clinic, and we hope to fund hundreds more!

We’re proud to facilitate the adoption of many of Bon Jardin’s dogs, providing much-needed loving homes here in the UK. Bon Jardin provides an excellent starting point for the dogs in the care: the dogs are well socialised with both dogs and people (including the children who like to come and play!), and are allowed in the worker’s houses to cuddle and play. They are taught to sit – as well as a few other cheeky tricks in some instances! – and are collar and lead trained. All this means that our Thai dogs generally find it easy to adapt to life in a UK home.

With dogs of all sizes and personalities, there’s someone for everyone at Bon Jardin! Each dog adopted means one more space at the shelter for another in need – it’s just one of the reasons we’re so grateful to anyone who adopts a dog, instead of buying a puppy.

Meet our Thai dogs currently looking for a home