Caring for stray animals on campus
Academics and students from Izmir University of Economics (IUE) did not abandon the stray animals who had difficulties in finding food and water and waited for a helping hand for their health needs due to the pandemic conditions and started a "love watch". While 5 volunteer academics and students are using every means available not only to provide nutrition but also to vaccinate dear friends and to ensure their control in private veterinarians, the university administration provides approximately 200 kg of food support each month for stray animals.
Izmir University of Economics launched a campaign on social media with the slogan "The streets are empty, let their plates be full" in March, when coronavirus cases began to appear in our country. The campaign grew in a short time and received support from all segments. Great efforts were made to prevent stray animals from suffering, as voluntary academics created a calendar to feed the animals regularly in the morning and evening hours.
MORE THAN 50 CATS AND DOGS
The campaign grew steadily with the participation of students, and it continued expanding until now. The nutritional needs of more than 50 cats and many dogs, including those around the campus, were met; the veterinary treatment of stray animals that are blind or who are found to have many problems such as parasites and fungi were provided. The university administration's decision to purchase pet food regularly every month was effective in the continuation of the campaign.
WE PREPARED THE HELP KIT, TREATED THE CROW
Sedef Ahuoğlu, a French lecturer at IUE School of Foreign Languages, who is part of the volunteer team, stated that they will support stray animals as much as they can, and that this situation makes them very happy. Ahuoğlu said, “We have continued the work that we started during the pandemic period without interruption until today. My volunteer friends and I, and students who supported us, acted with a sense of responsibility. Of course, the support provided by the university administration gave us strength and courage. We sterilized 8 animals this month. We ensured that an injured crow we found on our campus was treated. We have created a special "aid kit" that animal lovers can access on campus in emergencies. We have two dogs and a hedgehog named 'Foxi' and 'Tilki', which are very important for our campus. I think we set an example with the work we do as a university and the support we provide to stray animals.”