Zihuatanejo Society for the Protection of Animals
"HELENE KREBS POSSE"* - SPAZ-HKP

Version en Español

June 2007: (and always!) Funds are needed to keep the animal shelter open and running. Read this to find out how you can help: SPAZ2007 (.pdf document, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view)

The Zihuatanejo Society for the Protection of Animals was founded by Helene Krebs Posse in 1982, without adequate installations and maintained exclusively with the founders resources.

The idea grew out of the need to care for, rehabilitate and give refuge to hundreds of injured or abandoned domestic and wild animals in the streets, on the beaches and in the country, left to a slow death, victims of thirst, hunger or sickness and subjected to a prolonged and painful agony. 

The fundamental principal that inspired the founding of SPAZ-HKP and which guides each of its projects, programs and activities, is that of preventing unnecessary suffering of animals.

To attain this goal, the following activities are being undertaken:

• Provide refuge to all animals, of whatever species, that are abandoned, lost, ill, run over or abused.

• Provide treatment, rehabilitate and then liberate wild species.

• A permanent program is in effect for the adoption of domestic animals.

• Euthanize, using humanitarian methods, domestic and wild animals that are hopelessly sick or hurt, and animals for whom responsible homes have not been found.

• SPAZ-HKP runs a permanent sterilization campaign at low cost to dog and cat owners of proven limited financial resources.

• Supervise the correct application of methods of sacrifice in municipal slaughterhouses.

• Collaborate with authorities in vaccination campaigns, pest control and the prevention of illegal commerce in wildlife in danger of extinction.

• Make known to the public the State of Guerrero's Law for the Protection of Animals, giving counsel in the ways in which to present legal suits to the proper authorities.

• Promote coordination between SPAZ-HKP and the authorities to facilitate the recommendations presented by the Society in reference to infractions of said law by individuals or functionaries.

• With the registration of new members, a permanent program is projected for the education and instruction focusing on the humanitarian treatment of animals, directed especially to the new generations in primary and secondary schools.

• Establish an annual prize of greatest merit by citizens of the region in favor of animal rights and another for public functionaries, as well as extending public recognition and denunciations as  necessary to individuals and functionaries for acting against or for animal abuse.

• SPAZ-HKP has the ability to respond to emergency calls to take run-over animals, or those that are severely harmed or injured, out of their misery, as well as animals reported having cronic illness and wandering the streets.

The Society is run by a board of directors that is re-elected annually. At present, Natalia Rodriguez Krebs is acting president, Adriana Sánchez Zoletto is treasurer, and Enrique Rodríguez Krebs is the acting veterinarian. More than 20 active and collaborative members also form part of the board. An employee is in charge of the reception, feeding, cleaning and care of the animals.

The Board of Directors, together with the other members, constitute an assembly which meets monthly on the first Saturday of each month at 8 p.m., at which are given reports regarding the status of the programs, finances and a welcome to new members. Those interested in requesting membership can do so calling ahead of time and attending one of these meetings.

SPAZ-HKP now has its own installations in downtown Zihuatanejo for the animal reception, treatment, surgery and office space at Casa Marina, Paseo del Pescador 9, Centro, next to the Main Square. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, including Sundays.

This organization is funded by the sale of T-shirts with the Society's logo and by donations by citizens and foreigners. Any donation is welcome, deposited to Banamex bank account: Branch 0018, ABA: 002282001880050202, Account #:8005020.

Casa Marina
Paseo del Pescador No. 9
Col. Centro 40880
Zihuatanejo, Gro. México
Tel (755) 554-2373 or (755) 554-6308
SPAZ@zihuatanejo.net

*Affiliated with the Asociación Humanitaria Mexicana, A.C.
AHMAC (Mexican Humanitarian Association)