UPS- Cuenca Veterinary students and professors Mónica Brito, Juan Masache, and Carlos Minguez sterilized dogs and cats at no charge in Pedernales (Manabí), Santa Isabel, Tarqui and Gualaceo (Azuay).

Over 200 animals were sterilized during three days and there were also surgeries that were done by the students with professors' supervision. This activity is part of the university's community involvement and  allows students to develop the skills needed for their professional lives.

Another aim was to work on research being conducted to analyze anesthetics and the time it takes for pets living at different altitude to recover from sterilization. This research is being conducted by the Genetic Improvement of Global Production on Livestock species Research Group (Grupo de Investigación de Mejora Genética en Producción Global en Especies Ganaderas GLOBALGEN). The difference in altitude causes air pressure to decrease, higher cardiac frequency, haemococentration, and so on. This can alter the recovery process of pets and bring about problems after surgery. The outcome will allow GLOBALGEN to adapt anesthetics according to environmental conditions. 

Officials from municipalities thanked UPS for their work and said that they plan to have other future sterilization campaigns.