Animal Welfare United States Project #45065

My Dog Is On The Pill: Super Birth Control Cookies

by 600 Million Stray Dogs Need You

My Dog Is On The Pill: Super Birth Control Cookies

Project Report | May 6, 2022
Happy Mother's Day from 600 Million Dogs!

By Alex Pacheco | Founder, 600 Million Dogs

On Mother’s Day, we appreciate all the human mothers who loved us, cared for us, and prepared us for adulthood. Thanks, Mom!

Dogs love and care for their puppies, too – protecting them from danger, feeding them, providing shelter, teaching them how to survive.

The creation of new life should be a joyful occasion. But when mother dogs are living on the street, it’s hard enough for them to find food and shelter for themselves, and even harder when they have several hungry, mischievous puppies to take care of.

The awful reality is, many stray puppies die young.

That’s why Ollie, pictured below, is one very lucky dog.

She’s one of our most recent Pilot Pups! Ollie was rescued from the street and has been adopted into a loving home. Her future is bright!

Very few stray dogs are as lucky as Ollie. We want to change that – once and for all! We want all dogs (and cats) to get the love, food, shelter, and vet care they need in order to live long, happy lives.

That’s why we’re working hard to do something that has never been done before – develop the Spay and Neuter Cookie: oral, permanent, one-dose birth control for dogs and cats.

Why oral, permanent, one-time birth control for strays?

Oral because that’s the best way known to reach wildlife and free-roaming animals. We don’t want to waste time and money working for years on another form of birth control, only to find out it can’t be converted into an oral form for stray animals – the ones who need it the most!

Permanent because that’s what spay/neuter is, and it works. The problem is that spay/neuter is expensive, requires surgery, and it can be tough to catch stray animals!

One dose because that will make it much easier to administer and keep track of who received it and who didn’t.

Birth control because otherwise, many of these animals are deliberately killed or die young.

We’re determined to succeed, even though we’re a small grassroots organization. We hope you’ll support our vital work. Visit our website at 600MillionDogs.org

Thank you!

* * * * * * * * *

What we do and why we do it

At 600 Million Dogs, we’re working to develop permanent, safe, inexpensive birth control food that only needs a one-time administration.

A food that could be given just one time, and it will safely prevent reproduction for the rest of an animal’s life.

The millions of homeless dogs and cats killed each year need this.

The problem is that this type of birth control food is still in the R&D stage, and the drug companies are not working on it.

We’re determined to develop this very much needed birth control food, even though we’re a small grassroots organization.

In short, we're working on a permanent solution to this global problem.

We've made important progress but we need full-time scientists to finish the job, and this is why we need your help.

If you would like to support our work to develop permanent birth control food, please make a tax-deductible gift of any amount.

Your gift will make a tangible impact ... and the animals will be forever grateful.

To learn more, please visit our website 600MillionDogs.org

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Jan 10, 2022
2022 Science Update Spay and Neuter Cookie

By Amy Moore | Volunteer Coordinator

Histology - 1

In this update:

I'm happy to report that we've recruited a highly qualified U.S. based Scientific Director.

We have also recruited an additional new chemist, and an additional new veterinarian.

Our Scientific Director has, among other things, also taken the lead in our negotiations with research centers and contract research organizations (CRO's), to speed up the work.

I'm also happy to report that each day we are getting closer to success. For example, our studies have produced some of our highest follicle counts to date: a 71% and 68% follicle count, each of course from a single trial cookie (in two of our Pilot Pups) -- which are terrific results.

One of the challenges we face is this: sometimes a single dose works very well, producing follicle counts over 60% ... but sometimes it does not. Currently, it is inconsistent -- and it is crucial that we figure out why, and that we make it consistent.

In addition, we are also continuing to investigate more than one possible formula and compound, such as the naturally occurring papaya seed. There are many other substances known to impair fertility, and some are being investigated for possible use as human or animal birth control. We will be posting some of these along with their molecular formulas, soon. While these have their strong points, there is one that many consider to be "at the head of the pack."

The compound we have found to be most effective thus far, is the man-made chemical known as VCD: Vinylcyclohexene dioxide, CAS. No. 106-87-6, C8H12O2.

As a multiple-dose formula, it is already approved for use in the U.S. by the EPA, to produce infertility in rodents.

A major difference between this rodent formula, and the formula 600 is working on, is that the rodent formula requires many doses to do the job.

On the other hand, our goal is to produce a formula that will do the job in one dose -- in one Spay and Neuter cookie.

Studies by others have shown that when used as intended, with dogs for example, VCD has proven itself to be safe. Contrast this with: when VCD is in its pure, original state, it is highly concentrated and caustic. In its concentrated form, it cannot be used because it is too caustic and it must be "watered down."

Not only our scientists, but outside scientists as well, believe that this compound is so effective thus far that different versions are expected to help additional mammalian species in need, such as wild horses, deer, coyotes and possibly even ... people.

We have also posted photographs of about a dozen of our rescued Pilot Pups.

As you know, each Pilot Pup is given a single trial Spay and Neuter Cookie, and then about 30 days later, the pup is spayed or neutered, and the reproductive tissues that are removed as part of the surgery are then histologically examined under a microscope.

These are referred to as histology slides. The histology slides are then examined under a microscope, by specialists: veterinary pathologists in particular.

These microscopic examinations allow scientists to determine how effective a particular cookie was, or was not.

We have also posted about a dozen new photographs of histology slides, showing tissues at different stages of their examination.

We are also posting below, for the first time, an example of a histology report. These are reports by veterinary pathologists, in which they detail their findings as they examine one histology slide at a time.

In summary, our scientists are convinced that when completed: the one-dose cookie is destined to have a powerful global impact, benefiting millions of animals ... and thanks to you, we can carry out this life-saving scientific work, which has never been done before.

An example of a histology report by a veterinary pathologist, from a microscope slide containing tissue from an ovary.

Histology Report, Slide #1612RCO

For the purposes of this report, stages of follicular development were defined by the following criteria.

Primordial follicle – An oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flattened (squamous) follicular cells.

Primary follicle – Ranging from an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of cuboidal cells to a follicle surrounded by a zona pellucida and by multiple layers of follicular cells. Has not developed any early stages of a follicular antrum.

Secondary follicle – Portions of or a full follicular antrum has formed but has not developed a cumulus oophorus and corona radiata.

Tertiary, Graafian and pre-ovulatory follicles – Contains a well-developed follicular antrum and a cumulus oophorus and corona radiata.

Polyovulate follicles were identified when multiple oocytes were surrounded by a layer of follicular cells. If any follicular cells were identified between oocytes, these were counted as individual follicles.

Damage to follicles was defined as swelling and/or vacuolization of granulosa cells (degeneration), nuclear pyknosis (shrinkage) and/or hypereosinophilia of granulosa cells or oocytes (necrosis)

In order to prevent bias and false identification, follicles that are not able to be definitively identified due to sectioning, artifactual distortion, or atresia, were not counted.

In the examined section of canine ovary, 173 follicles were observed: 96 primordial, 70 primary, 6 secondary and 1 tertiary.

Of the 96 primordial follicles, 11 are biovate and 1 is multiovate. Of the 70 primary follicles, 7 are biovate and 1 is multiovate. No secondary or tertiary follicles in this section were biovate or multiovate.

Of the 96 primordial follicles, 14 of the follicles had evidence of damage (14.6%), including nuclear pyknosis (shrinkage) and hypereosinophilia (both consistent with necrosis; 3/96), granulosa cell swelling and vacuolation (both consistent with degeneration; 11/96).

Ten of the primary follicles have evidence of damage (14.3%) observed as granulosa cell swelling and vacuolization (both consistent with degeneration; 10/70). None of the primary follicles exhibited damage in the form of necrosis. Of the 6 secondary follicles, 2 of the follicles have evidence of damage (33.3%), in the form of pyknosis and hypereosinophilia (2/6).

None of the secondary follicles exhibiting degenerative changes (granulosa cell swelling and vacuolization). The one tertiary follicle present did not show any changes compatible with degeneration and necrosis. There is no evidence of inflammation or discernable fibrosis in the evaluated section.

Note: CO in Slide #1612RCO indicates this was a control, v2.

Histology - 2

Histology - 3

Links:

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Jul 10, 2020
Spay and Neuter Cookie, Project Update during Covid-19

By Alex Pacheco | Founder

Dear Supporters,

As a donor through GlobalGiving, we want to Thank You again for your support and provide you with this brief update.

As you know, our mission is to bring a permanent end to the global overpopulation and suffering of the world's hundreds of millions of stray dogs and cats.

As you also know, our approach is unique and revolutionary. Our approach is to develop the scientifically formulated Spay and Neuter Cookie.

The cookie we are developing with our scientists is so unique that when completed, a single cookie will be capable of safely spaying or neutering a dog or cat -- without any surgery.

Once completed, it will be the only one of its kind in the world.

The exciting part is clear: A cookie such as this will make it possible to end the global dog and cat overpopulation problem, and end the massive suffering it causes, worldwide.

(Before we go any further, we wanted to say that we know that the photos of suffering strays are difficult to look at, which is why we are not showing any of the gruesome photos. Instead we are only showing less distrubing photos nonetheless, because we believe it is important to remind all of us, what others are going through -- so that we will be more properly motivated, to take action to reduce their suffering.

The first photo is of a diseased stray mom with her pup, suffering on the streets, without needed medical care. Their suffering is repeated countless times. They are only two, of the 600 million reasons, why the Spay and Neuter Cookie is desperately needed. Photos thanks to animal supporter, Brett Cole)

As part of this overall mission, we have a specific project, exclusively through GlobalGiving.

Our GlobalGiving project is a one-time project: to transfer and bring all of our research and development work
into the U.S.

Once this transfer project is done, it will allow us to speed up the complex process of safely developing the cookie.

Our goal for the GlobalGiving Project was to raise $50,000. While we have not hit that mark yet, through GlobalGiving we have raised $5,090 thus far -- and we remain as dedicated as ever!

In short, transferring our development work into the U.S. requires the time-consuming process of first identifying the most appropriate U.S. scientists and U.S. science-based companies, such as contract research organizations, to partner with 600.

This is then followed by the interviewing process, which is then followed by the contract negotiation process, all of which is crucial, and all of which is unavoidable, especially in the U.S. Not to mention costly. Sadly, we cannot afford the fees of most U.S. contract research organizations.

In addition, here at 600 we have a number of very important requirements that must be met. Most important of all is that no animal may be harmed, that all animals will be very well cared for, and as part of our work, all animals must then be adopted out into caring, loving, forever homes.

Despite the obstacles, once the transfer has been accomplished, we are confident it will speed up our development work all around, which is of course what the animals need.

As the world grappled with the lockdown and disruptions due to the pandemic, the 600 Team was nonetheless able to work proactively to ensure we were still able to provide support for our GlobalGiving Project. Despite the lockdown orders, we continued to work from our informal home offices to support the project.

The negative impact on the suffering of stray dogs and cats has of course been exacerbated by COVID-19, and the same applies to our work to bring our R&D into the U.S., to speed up the development of the Spay and Neuter Cookie to end the global overpopulation and suffering of strays.

Donations to our mission have naturally dropped due to the pandemic.

The coronavirus has transformed much of life as we know it, increasing pre-existing problems and triggering a raft of new problems. Of course none of us can quite predict the future, but the fate of stray dogs and cats remains in our hands and depends on what we do, or don't do.

Because of donors like you, we’ve been able to stay afloat thus far during this ocean of change and sometimes near-panic. We’re extremely grateful to you because without you, millions of stray dogs and cats worldwide would have little hope, if any.

Today millions of strays remain worldwide, all in need of care, all in need of compassion, and all in need of a Spay and Neuter Cookie, to end the unwanted births of millions of homeless puppies and kittens every year.

Because of your generosity and because of the unwavering dedication by the 600 Team, in addition to our GlobalGiving Project, we’ve begun a small new pilot program of helping individuals in devastated countries, such as India, as they work to rescue strays in desperate need.

Part of this involves finding ways to provide direct support to individual rescued animals, and to rescuers, in areas that are savaged and stricken by severe poverty.

In addition, the pilot program plans to arrange for easy ways that these rescue volunteers can also help 600 in our mission as well. We are excited about the possibilities of this new program helping animals directly and immediately, and we hope to have more to report in our next update.

As you can imagine, COVID-19 has aggravated pre-existing problems surrounding the R&D that is needed to help end the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats.

As we continue to move forward to bring the crucial R&D into the U.S., replenishing our critically needed funds is crucial, especially because the pandemic has had a devastating and negative impact on the number of incoming donations -- understandably so, with many people newly unemployed.

The stray dog overpopulation also has a negative impact on humans, an impact that can be fatal, due to canine rabies.

It is estimated that every year, over 59,000 people die from rabies.

It is also estimated that over 90% of these people who die became infected with rabies because of coming into contact with stray dogs -- stray dogs who are infected with rabies.

Much like COVID-19, rabies remains invisible.

In the case of rabies, the deadly disease remains invisible for long periods of time, even weeks, and during that time it can be spread, but it cannot be detected without a special test.

It's only natural for a child in India to want to play with the countless stray dogs and homeless puppies roaming neighborhood streets.

It's an innocent, but often deadly choice.

Rabies is an ongoing epidemic in India.

It's estimated that 20,000 people die from it every year in India alone,
with up to 60% of those victims being children.

And it does not help that India is reported to have the largest
population of stray dogs in the world.

With India's stray dog population estimated at 30 million,
there are plenty of chances for a child to be a victim.

In addition, stray dogs are being killed in order to stop this disease from spreading, but the killing methods are brutal and inhumane and won't solve the problem.

This is another reason we are working on a solution: the Spay and Neuter Cookie, which, when completed, will effectively sterilize dogs in a single, safe-to-eat dose.

Through the Cookie, we will be able to greatly reduce the population of stray dogs in India, which will result in a sharp decline of rabies transmission and
a sharp decline in human deaths from rabies.

A safer world for children is possible.

But we need your help to make it a reality.

Thank you for your past and future support ... it is very much needed, and deeply appreciated.

~ Alex

Alex Pacheco
Founder
600 Million Stray Dogs Need You

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