August 12th, 2011

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

Alex Pacheco, Maria Papazian, and Khiem Nguyen dream big—even when the odds seem stacked against their goals. When you talk to them about 600 Million and its campaign Fix the Bitches, you come away feeling optimistic.

Dreamers with a Plan
“Our plan is to permanently end the world stray dog and stray cat over population, and the suffering that comes with it by developing long lasting contraceptives for stray dogs and cats,” says Alex, who is the founder and executive director of 600 Million. (You probably recognize his name for being the co-founder of PETA.)

Sounds like a good dream? Well, after spending some time with this dynamic trio, I am starting to believe it. Mostly, because they have incredible resources and their strong belief that it is possible is contagious.

“We are using the latest scientific advancements and we want to inspire people to volunteer their resources to assist us in developing unique, long lasting, single dose birth control pills for animals,” says Alex. “We are starting with dogs and expanding to cats and other animals in need—such as deer, horses, and farm animals.”

600 Million
It is estimated that there are more than 600 million stray dogs living in deplorable conditions around the world. These stray dogs give birth to between one and three billion puppies each year. “As a result of these staggering numbers, stray dogs suffer terribly, and millions are brutally killed in the name of population control—especially in countries without animal cruelty laws,” says Alex. “And our mission is to use safe, affordable, and non violent methods of controlling animal populations.”

“For starters our scientists are creating more than one formula. This is not a super birth control pill where one size fits all. These multiple formulas will come in the form of food, treats, and injections. And there will be formulas for different species. Plus it will be long lasting. It must be in order for it to control the stray populations.”

600 Million has attracted celebrities like David Duchovny, Eric Roberts, and many others to spread the message to their fans. They have hired scientists to work outside the U.S., and according to Alex, “We expect to have our first formula within 10 to 18 months.”

To read full interview, click here...