On the Ground with “Too Many Puppies”, Between Campania and Calabria
By Fiorella Ferrandino - Treasurer of Save the DogsIn the last week of March 2026, I took part in a mission in Southern Italy as part of the “Too Many Puppies” project. It was an opportunity to closely follow activities in the field, observing firsthand the work of our partners in Castelvolturno, Campania, and Rogliano, Calabria.
Spay and Neuter Campaigns in Campania
In Castelvolturno, we were welcomed by Gabriella, director of the San Francesco Dog Shelter. The facility is large and divided into several areas, and the volunteers’ contribution is essential to ensuring the smooth operation of activities and the well-being of the animals in their care.
During our visit, a “spayathon” – a sterilization marathon – was held in the shelter’s operating room, which was equipped by Save the Dogs. The veterinarians coordinated the procedures following a rigorous protocol developed over the years thanks to training provided by Dr. Dorothea Fritz. This is a minimally invasive technique designed to reduce post-operative pain.
Spaying and neutering is the cornerstone of the “Too Many Puppies” project and of Save the Dogs’ philosophy. It is a concrete tool for reducing the stray animal population and improving the lives of animals in the area, addressing the root of the problem rather than just its consequences, as is the case with finding an adoptive family.
Microchip Day and Local Activities in Rogliano
In the days that followed, we traveled to Calabria, to Rogliano in the province of Cosenza, home to the small home-based shelter “Amici degli Animali FEF,” the second partner in the “Too Many Puppies” project.
The highlight of the activities was “Microchip Day” a day dedicated to registering pets through door-to-door visits. The initiative raised public awareness about the importance of microchips as a fundamental identification tool, promoting more responsible pet ownership and compliance with the law.
In Calabria, the stray dog and cat population remains a serious social problem, and alongside ownerless animals, one often encounters dogs chained up or confined to inadequate spaces.
The return to Milan marked the end of the mission, with the awareness of the many strides made by the project in recent years and those still needed to improve the situation in these challenging regions.
Since 2019, the “Too Many Puppies” program has achieved significant results, demonstrating a tangible impact:
- 4,655 total sterilizations performed since the program’s inception
- 3,037 procedures performed in Campania,
- 1,618 procedures performed in Calabria
Each sterilization means thousands fewer puppies destined for abandonment or overcrowded shelters.
This year, “Too Many Puppies” can count on the collaboration of Fondazione Squadra4Zampe, which will allow us to strengthen our efforts.
