FPA was started on the streets of Loja, Ecuador, by a small group of people willing to defy cultural norms and confront the plight of stray dogs. Led by Peace Corps volunteer Elizabeth Daut, DVM, and local environmental activist Byron Alvarez, the group banded together to stop the daily poisoning of dogs on Loja's streets as part of the national strategy to control the stray animal population.

FPA is the first animal-welfare organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in southern Ecuador. We were legalized as a nonprofit organization by the Ecuadorian environmental ministry in March 1999 with 17 founding members. Today, we have over 60 local members, a five-member board of directors and growing national and international recognition for our animal-welfare activities.

Since its conception, FPA has steadily broadened its focus from stopping the cruelty plaguing stray dogs to include all aspects of welfare affecting both domestic and wild animals. Today we are the largest and most active animal-welfare organization in Ecuador.  Due to our efforts, deliberate poisoning of animals is now an illegal act of cruelty.

Every day we struggle to persuade the community to abandon their traditional perceptions of animals and adopt a more benevolent view of all living creatures. We have had notable success. The Loja municipality has passed ordinances calling for the first anticruelty and leash laws in the country.  Now we need to ensure that animal-welfare legislation is enforced and the community begins to improve its treatment of animals.

FPA would not be successful without the support of our volunteers and members. Concerned citizens - from veterinary students to lawyers to housewives - participate in our animal-welfare activities and ensure that our message is being heard. With their dedication, and your generous support, we will continue to lead Ecuador toward a more humane and compassionate future.