The animals, though, keep coming in. Powell said about 10,000 animals are still being handled annually. Much of the problem may lie in popular beliefs. Locals have used hot oil as treatment for mange, a common and sometimes fatal condition, when, in fact, it could eventually kill the animal, Enriquez said. Others believe spaying females makes them fat and mean.
Religion even plays a part.
Some residents won t spay or neuter their pet because of their religious beliefs, members added. Since November, the group has reached about 3,000 elementary students through presentations at local schools, Goodman said. The goal of reducing the number of strays may not be obvious for quite a while, she acknowledged. Still, she s encouraged by the number of presentations. Those little kids pick up on things so fast.