Vet saving lives overseas

Vet Olivia Pozzan is making a change for animals in Cambodia

MAKING A CHANGE: Veterinarian Olivia Pozzan operating on a stray dog during her trip to Cambodia. Picture: Olivia Pozzan

OLIVIA Pozzan couldn't bear to see the dire situation for stray dogs and cats in Cambodia become any worse, so she decided to make a change.

From Tanawha to Siem Reap, the veterinarian took a team of five passionate vets on a three week animal welfare mission earlier this year.

Their team desexed 147 street dogs and cats and health checked over 200 unwanted and homeless strays dumped at local temples and monasteries.

As an animal welfare advocate, Ms Pozzan felt it would be "morally wrong to not do something about it” because she has the skills needed to make a difference.

Ms Pozzan said conditions were jarring in Cambodia and can recall treating a puppy who had its paw cut off by children "just for fun”.

But she has not lost hope for the country, believing "compassion is a very potent force for change”.

"By doing this animal welfare work, I believe it's an act of compassion that will end up having a flow on effect that will make a change in their culture,” she said.

Education of the younger generation will ultimately eradicate the issue, Ms Pozzan said, as she witnessed a positive shift towards respect for the furry animals.

"Seeing the difference in the monks and knowing that them caring is a trend that is going to continue was really heart warming.”

Veterinary nurse Jessi Leigh attended the trip and said the most memorable aspect was "seeing the change in attitude in the way people treat animals now”.

"They're seeing people from other countries treating their animals with love and respect, and I think it's catching on,” she said.

Ms Pozzan plans to take her team on another self-funded mission to Cambodia to continue their life-saving veterinary work.

Those wanting to learn more or help with donations can email her at [e-mail].