Summer 2021 update: people, elephants, cows, dogs, cats, and a horse!
Dear friends,
India's animals have strong local allies who are dedicated to their animal welfare organizations. Help Animals India seeks out the best of these under-funded organizations to provide financial and practical assistance where it can make the most difference. We strive not only to achieve immediate benefits for India's animals, but to nurture an enduring culture of animal protectionism.
Update: Due to the covid emergency Help Animals India was asked to provide food, vegan of course, to desperately hungry people as well, some of whom, in turn, provide food to animals. We are very pleased that through the auspices of a generous grant from "A Well Fed World" we were able to provide emergency food rations to thousands of underprivileged people in slums, orphanages, stranded migrant workers via "A Good Deed" relief effort.
During the intense lockdowns Help Animals India partners have been busy feeding street animals who would have been left to starve due to deserted streets with none of their usual sources of food available.
Through the kindness of Help Animals India donors generosity tens of thousands of dogs and other animals were fed and are being fed through various partners.
The covid situation in India is still serious but lockdowns are being lifted in many places and ordinary lifesaving work for the NGO's ensues.
This is not to say that we were not shocked and reminded again about the countless street/ community dogs needing our help! Even during severe lockdown animal birth control programs went on such as our project at "Varanasi for Animals" where 500 dogs are spay/neuter/vaccinated each and every month with the assistance of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation and strong interventions to keep the project moving from India's foremost Indian advocate for the animals - Smt. Maneka Gandhi!
"If we are able to understand others, then only we can care for them.
If we are able to care for them, then only we can help them.
And if we are able to help them, then only we can save them.
PLEASE CARE, HELP AND SAVE THE ANIMALS AROUND YOU"
Photo and words by Help Animals India grantee Sneha's Care
The cat population is exploding in cities like Bangalore. Sterilization is a way to control the population and sadly is still not available in many places in India but our project through CUPA is thriving. Help Animals India specific programs for TNR (trap/neuter/release)is through CUPA - Compassion Unlimited Plus Action - now India's largest program for cats. Thereby giving support to the Mom cats not having to have endless litters, ending the battles in the apartment complexes between the people who do not want cats and those who care for them, and limiting the endless cycle of too many kittens. We love cats and we want them to have a healthy life. Sterilization is the way to do this.
Left: Gowri. Right: Aneesha.
WRRC (Wildlife Rescue Rehabiltation Centre) in Bangalore writes:
The Elephants in our care are doing well and are so attached and bonded to each other that it is a delight to see them together. It does have its downside, though! Gowri cannot bear to go for a walk without Aneesha, who can walk only short distances due to her disability. That has left everyone scratching their heads as to how to take Gowri, who has a tendency for obesity, for long walks and we are trying all manner of temptation and treats to woo her out of the orbit of Aneesha! The elephants and their caretakers have kept well throughout the ghastly period of the pandemic lockdown, which still continues off and on. Their rations, fruits and vegetables were well provided for, thankfully. Their grass is grown nearby where they often go for grazing and foraging.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the unstinting support of Help Animals India for their steady commitment to the cause of captive elephants and their wellbeing.
WRRC has been engaged in many aspects of elephant and mahouts welfare and are in process of compiling data on related issues. We hope that many improvements are possible in the welfare and lives of all elephants in captivity within the next two years.
"When somebody calls you an "old cow" it is meant as an insult. Our grantee at Karuna Society, the term "Old Cow" is a compliment, for the cow and the society. Karuna has rescued more than 700 cows, buffaloes, donkeys and horses. Where in the world can you find an old cow that looks like it? Hip bones sticking out, walking slowly - that happens when you are a 24-year-old cow or buffalo. Most milking cows and buffalo go for slaughter after giving birth to a few calves. Without profit, the still young animals are sold for slaughter. An old cow is a rare sight. We do not have the power to change all of the cruel milking industry but with your help, our rescued cattle can live out their natural life in peace." Here all cows are separate from bulls so that sanctuary numbers do not increase!
Sunny is now off the streets and recovering in lifetime sanctuary care! Our grantee in DehraDun Raahat for Animals has rescued this horse whose legs are permanently damaged because of neglect and abuse over a long period. Abandoned for long, his forelimbs were found to be permanently damaged. Sunny, named after the Vet who assisted, Dr Sunny Joshi, has been skillfully rehabilitated. Rahaat, a vegan sanctuary is also a recovery facility for many injured and sick animals rescued from the streets like cats, dogs, cows and other equines. They also provide lifetime care and protection to farmed animals and animals rescued from slaughter or ritual Sacrifice like chickens, pigs, buffaloes, cows and goats.
Truth - this is why we at Help Animals India do what we do. When we look into an animal's eyes, we see a sentient being who deserves the same love, care, and respect that we get.
With love and deepest appreciation from the Help Animals India team, all of the animals, and our colleagues in India and Nepal who serve them. We wish you all the blessings to be well and have success in your efforts to bring happiness and comfort to all.
