Animal charity PAWS aims to improve the lives of companion animals in Mauritius and assist in humanely managing the population of dogs and cats via education and sterilization. Our goal is to prevent and eliminate all cruelty to all animals whether arising through ignorance, neglect or deliberate cruelty. PAWS was founded in July 1999 by a small group of animal lovers who were very troubled by the terrible condition of domestic and stray dogs and cats on the island. They were also distressed by the populations ignorance in matters of pet care, and the lack of access to veterinary care when they did seek help. Despite the fact that PAWS rescued and treated more than 30,000 animals since 2000 we know there is still so much more to do. We need the help of volunteers to rescue animals in distress as if PAWS spent its time trying to find stray puppies, there would be no time left for the staff & vets to sterilise animals and prevent the birth of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, most of which would end up becoming strays.