Guildford Couple Rescues Mauritius Strays from Abuse

Guildford couple Laura and Matt Smith are dedicated to rescuing stray dogs in Mauritius, where thousands face dire conditions, including starvation, abuse, and disease. Their mission began after witnessing the suffering of these animals firsthand during a visit, leading them to establish the non-profit organization ‘Mauritius Strays'. The couple defines the problem as a widespread crisis of neglect, with many dogs abandoned by owners, struggling with severe malnutrition, skin conditions like mange, tick fever, and injuries from abuse or accidents.

The benefits of their work are profound: they provide immediate relief by feeding hundreds of dogs weekly, arranging vital veterinary care for sick and injured animals, and ultimately facilitating their safe transport to forever homes in the UK. So far, they have successfully rehomed over 30 dogs, offering them a second chance at life free from suffering. Each dog rescued receives necessary vaccinations, microchipping, and passports for international travel, a process that is both costly and complex.

The risks for these dogs are immense, ranging from starvation and untreated illnesses to brutal abuse by locals, and the constant threat of culling. For the couple, the risks involve significant financial strain, as they fund much of the rescue and rehoming costs themselves, often exceeding £3,000 per dog for transport alone. They rely heavily on public donations and fundraising to continue their life-saving efforts. Specific examples include dogs like Coco, found severely emaciated and covered in mange, and Leo, a puppy rescued from a drain. The Smiths continue to highlight the urgent need for support to save more vulnerable dogs from their harsh existence on the streets of Mauritius.

(Source: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/guildford-couple-trying-save-stray-32606060)