Tell-All
We Asked: Do you think we need better medical facilities for animals and strays, along with a dedicated 24-hour ambulance service? …
Just as humans can access better medical facilities, animals- especially community animals- deserve adequate treatment opportunities too. A round-the-clock ambulance service can save a dying animal, especially in places where it becomes hard to find a vehicle after midnight. There is also a need to strengthen their medical infrastructure. India wholly lacks better medical facilities for community animals, but we make up for what we lack in resources in determination. There are many cities in India where the human spirit of doing something better for these animals takes over. Mumbai is one such city that shines in several aspects and boasts of a particular commendable feature approach towards caring for its community animals. A city where strays are often called community animals, as they are the responsibility of the community to look after. From these community animals to abandoned companion animals, this city has seen a surge in dedicated animal-related facilities that provide crucial support. Still, more than these facilities, the people of Mumbai walk with the spirit of helping animals out whenever they can. This spirit has transformed Mumbai into a beacon of hope for community animals, the spirit that can offer hope for improvement in the lives of community animals worldwide. Mumbai also has a well-organised network of animal shelters and rescue centres, a standout feature. We have organisations like the Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), which stands out for its overall care for animals who have been abandoned, injured, or living in unsafe conditions. These organisations offer these community animals medical care, treatment, rehabilitation, and rehoming. The animals receive physical care and emotional rehabilitation, preparing them for adoption. Another notable initiative is the city’s dedication to neutering and spaying community animals. Sterilisation and vaccination drives carried out by various NGOs in Mumbai aim to control the community animal population while reducing the risks of diseases like rabies. These programmes are sustainable because they address the root cause of overpopulation, a persistent issue in many cities across the globe. Other urban centres could replicate this practice to balance the humane treatment of animals and public health. Mumbai has a unique culture where the community is involved in animal welfare. Most areas have a dedicated feeder taking care of these community animals. Many residents volunteer to support these initiatives through local and individual NGOs. They may feed community animals, report injured ones, assist with adoption drives, or, at the very least, adopt a community animal. This grassroots involvement has created a strong support system for community animals. Although this city's attitude toward community animals is far from perfect, it is a strong and commendable model for other cities. Replicating these shelters, sterilisation programmes and volunteer-driven efforts could go a long way in helping animals in the communities everywhere. The people make the city what it is, not vice versa.- Hiraj Laljani, Manager of Celebrity and Public Relations at PETA-India
Animals, both pets and strays, deserve proper medical care just as much as humans. Unfortunately, the availability of quality healthcare for animals is still very limited in many places. It is crucial to establish better medical facilities for animals, along with a dedicated 24-hour ambulance service, to ensure their well-being and survival. One of the major challenges faced by pet owners and animal rescuers is the lack of well-equipped veterinary hospitals. Many areas have only a few clinics, which often lack essential medical equipment, emergency services, and specialized care. Stray animals, in particular, suffer the most as they rarely receive medical attention, even in life-threatening situations. Establishing well-equipped veterinary hospitals with modern diagnostic tools, surgical facilities, and intensive care units will significantly improve animal healthcare. A dedicated 24-hour ambulance service for animals is equally important. Many injured or sick strays die on the streets because there is no immediate transportation available to take them to a hospital. A round-the-clock ambulance service, staffed with trained personnel, would ensure that injured animals receive timely medical attention. This service could also be used for transporting animals in distress, such as those suffering from accidents, poisoning, or severe infections. By responding quickly to emergencies, such an initiative would save countless lives. Additionally, mobile veterinary units should be introduced to reach remote areas where medical facilities are unavailable. These units can conduct regular check-ups, vaccinations, and sterilization drives to control the stray animal population humanely. Vaccination programs would help prevent the spread of deadly diseases like rabies, benefiting both animals and humans. Animal welfare organizations, government authorities, and private entities must collaborate to fund and implement these essential services. Public awareness campaigns should also be launched to educate people on animal welfare and encourage them to report injured or sick strays. Volunteer networks can play a significant role in assisting veterinary teams and ensuring that animals in need receive timely help. Better medical facilities and 24-hour ambulance service for animals are not just necessities but moral responsibilities. Animals, whether pets or strays, are sentient beings that deserve compassion, care, and timely medical intervention. By investing in proper healthcare infrastructure for animals, we can create a society that values and protects all living beings, ensuring a more humane and compassionate world. - H N SINGH, Regional Member SPHEEHA; Director, Lions Club Lucknow, Kapoorthala
The need for improved medical facilities for animals, particularly stray animals, is a growing concern worldwide. In many urban areas, stray animals face numerous challenges, including malnutrition, injuries, and various diseases. Access to proper veterinary care is often limited, leaving these animals to suffer without adequate treatment. In many regions, animal shelters and veterinary clinics are often overcrowded and underfunded, making it difficult to provide comprehensive care for all animals in need. Stray dogs, in particular, often lack access to basic medical services such as vaccinations, sterilization, and treatment for common illnesses. This not only affects the well-being of the animals but also poses a risk to public health, as stray animals can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. To address this issue, several key improvements are necessary. Increased funding: Governments and charitable organisations need to allocate more resources to animal shelters and veterinary clinics. This will help improve infrastructure, purchase necessary medical equipment, and hire qualified staff. Accessible clinics: Establishing more veterinary clinics in easily accessible locations is crucial, especially in areas with a high population of stray animals. Mobile clinics can also be deployed to reach remote areas. Affordable treatment: The cost of veterinary care can be prohibitive for many pet owners and those who wish to help stray animals. Subsidized or free treatment options should be made available, particularly for essential services like vaccinations and sterilization. Education and awareness: Public awareness campaigns are needed to educate people about responsible pet ownership, the importance of vaccinations and sterilization, and the availability of medical services for animals. 24-hour dedicated ambulance services: In addition to improved medical facilities, 24-hour dedicated ambulance services for animals are essential for providing timely emergency care. These services can transport injured or sick animals to the nearest veterinary clinic or animal shelter, ensuring they receive prompt treatment. Such services are particularly crucial in cases of accidents, poisoning, or other life-threatening situations. Challenges and solutions: Implementing these improvements may face challenges such as limited funding, lack of infrastructure, and shortage of trained personnel. However, these challenges can be addressed through: Public-private partnerships: Collaborating with private veterinary clinics and hospitals can help expand the reach of medical services for animals. Volunteer programmes: Engaging volunteers can provide additional support to animal shelters and clinics, assisting with tasks such as animal care, cleaning, and administrative work. Telemedicine: Utilising telemedicine can help provide remote consultations and guidance on animal care, especially in areas with limited access to veterinary clinics. Thus, improving medical facilities for animals and establishing 24-hour ambulance services are crucial steps in ensuring the well-being of stray dogs and other animals. By addressing the challenges and implementing effective solutions, we can create a more compassionate and humane environment for all living beings. - Manoj Kumar Chaturvedi, a bank employee, and animal activist, Lucknow, UP
To respect animal life is not considered to be exotic, religious, unreasonable or even weird anymore. In fact, each day, more and more people are realising not just the cruelty we inflict upon animals knowingly and unknowingly, but that we too are animals, only highly evolved. With changing times, we have come to comprehend the intimate relationship between the well-being of humans and animals. And with this recognition, it becomes our responsibility to ensure that their rights are in place and that they receive the humane treatment that they legally deserve. Now animal welfare is indirectly linked to several SDGs, while Life Above Land and Life under Water are individual SDGs by themselves. Since 1960 the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 has protected the rights of animals. The Animal Welfare Board of India has acted as an advisor to the government regarding all matters related to the welfare of animals. The AWBI and the SPCA Rules 2001 have recognised the need of animals for food, shelter, kindness and medication and have mandated the establishment of animal hospitals and ambulance services through their departments. It is extremely sad though that even after 76 years of independence and 24 years of the SPCA Rules, most districts have flouted the rules and the conditions of animals have not changed significantly for the better. It is imperative now that both the govt and non-government sector turn their attention towards this problem. Every district should have a full-fledged animal facility, especially for unowned animals. Such programmes should be supported with ambulatory services to treat animals in their territories. Every non-profit organisation or NPO running such facilities should be provided with veterinarians by the local animal husbandry department. A standard budget should be allotted to recognised NGOs for their activities. Veterinary medicines should be made available to them at subsidised rates. Lastly, animal welfare is not only about providing medical services to them. Our archaic laws, starting with the PCA Rules - which form the basis of all justice that is meted out to our animals, and which have kept animals at the baseline of the government’s priority list - need to be amended with immediate effect. Only when life is valued will the rights be protected. Unless the value of an animal's life rises above a paltry Rs 50, it will continue to suffer as the necessary evil of society. -Shakuntala Majumdar, President, CPCA Thane
I am an ardent animal lover who believes that animals and strays do need special attention from everyone. They deserve that love and affection which makes them feel accepted and loved by people and society. Taking care of them comes from within ourselves and it cannot be forced by anyone. It becomes the responsibility of the pet owners, various NGOs and the government that are working to provide better facilities to animals and strays. Animals do convey their needs through nonverbal communication. Everyone who owns a pet should provide basic facilities to animals. Owners look after the medical needs of their pets and get them vaccinated on time. But, in case of emergency, do the owners get prompt medical care for their pets? One wants to visit the best veterinary doctor on time too. They need competent vets who can handle any adverse situation at any time. Pet owners want hospitals or clinics where advanced technology is available like Ultrasound and X-Ray. The doctor and staff of the clinic should be sensitive enough to tackle the emergency with due care and expertise. We do have veterinary doctors and hospitals but they should update their technology. Various NGOs are working for animal welfare. Their prime objective is to provide food, shelter medical facilities like vaccination, and veterinary doctors should be attached to each NGO. The government is also taking proper care of the animals at various zoos throughout the country by providing all kinds of facilities. In India, many people are taking care of animals whether they are individuals, NGOs, or government bodies. I want to highlight two people here in this regard: First is Anant Ambani who founded Vantara and the other is Shantanu Naidu who founded Motopaws (both non-profit organisations). Both of them are working for animal welfare. I do believe that animals and strays should be provided with better medical facilities to save their lives. A dedicated 24-hour ambulance should be provided to tackle any emergency for animals and strays. The facility should be such that we can call the hospitals at night and take our pets or street dogs for treatment even in the middle of the night. I do have pets at home so I understand the problems that animal lovers go through. -Deepali Bahadur, entrepreneur and proprietor of DB’Owns
I have always been deeply moved by the bond between humans and animals—a passion that was kindled in my childhood by my father’s dedicated service in the Indian Armed Forces. His unwavering sense of duty and care taught me that compassion should extend to all living beings. Today, as an animal lover who has adopted two wonderful dogs and regularly feeds the strays in my locality, I feel a profound responsibility to speak up for those who have no voice. A glimpse through the lens of dog boarding: One of the most striking experiences that shaped my perspective was during a routine dog boarding stay. Observing the temporary separation between pets and their owners, I noticed the palpable anxiety, longing, and loneliness in even the most well-cared-for animals. If this brief separation could stir such deep emotions, one can only imagine the perpetual void experienced by stray animals—creatures that have never known the comfort of consistent care or the warmth of a loving home. The stark reality of animal healthcare in India: Despite the outpouring of individual compassion—citizens feeding strays and NGOs operating small-scale shelters—the systemic support for stray animals remains alarmingly insufficient. My research, including insights from official documents and government reports, reveals a concerning picture: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MFHD): While the ministry allocates an annual budget of approximately Rs 40,000–Rs 45,000 crore, only a tiny fraction is dedicated directly to animal healthcare services such as emergency veterinary hospitals and rapid response units. Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): Operating with a budget between Rs 50–Rs 100 crore per year, the AWBI’s funds are stretched too thinly to address the vast and varied needs of stray animals. State-level initiatives: Initiatives vary widely. For instance, Tamil Nadu’s AMMA service, with an estimated annual funding of Rs10–Rs 20 crore, has made commendable progress, yet its reach is limited. On the other hand, Goa’s Mukhyamantri Pashuseva Yojana, which allocates up to Rs 300 crore annually, stands as a model of what can be achieved with proper funding and policy prioritisation. A firsthand encounter with stray suffering: I vividly recall a Diwali night when I came across a stray pup injured by firecrackers. With no emergency helpline, dedicated veterinary service, or animal ambulance in sight, I resorted to providing basic first-aid to alleviate the pup’s pain. This encounter was a harsh reminder: while we often rely on individual acts of kindness, compassion alone cannot replace the need for a robust, government-backed framework to protect these vulnerable creatures. Bridging the gap: From personal efforts to systemic solutions: My experience with dog boarding—a microcosm of temporary separation anxiety—illustrates a broader truth: even animals with homes suffer when deprived of care, but stray animals endure a lifelong absence of love and support. While I am grateful for the opportunity to adopt two dogs and care for strays in my community, I recognize that individual actions, though valuable, must be supplemented by comprehensive governmental initiatives. Here’s what I believe is essential for India’s stray animal healthcare: Dedicated government veterinary hospitals: Every major city should have at least one 24/7 veterinary hospital that is easily accessible to stray animals in need. On-call veterinary services & emergency ambulances: A nationwide, dedicated helpline with quick-response capabilities can drastically reduce suffering and prevent unnecessary fatalities. Specialised pharmacies for animal medication: Similar to human medical stores, government-supported veterinary pharmacies should ensure that critical medications are readily available. Corporate & NGO collaborations: Partnerships with companies like Tata, which already operate pet hospitals, should be expanded nationwide through government incentives and support. A call for compassionate policy: The emptiness observed in boarded pets—temporary though it may be—is a stark contrast to the unrelenting loneliness that stray animals endure daily. Our collective compassion should not end at feeding a stray or adopting a pet; it must extend into the realm of systemic change. A nation’s true compassion is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens, human or animal. I remain humbled and grateful for the role I play—adopting, feeding, and advocating for these animals—but I also urge policymakers to act decisively. The time for action is now. It is our duty to ensure that every stray, every voiceless creature, receives the care, love, and dignity it deserves. -Zeba Khan, entrepreneur and animal crusader from Lucknow
Topic of the month: Do you think cattle farms should be situated only on the outskirts and keeping cows in city areas, thus letting them roam the urban streets, should be banned? You may send your views (either in Hindi or English) in 300 words or more to [email protected]. Please also attach a colour photo of yourself.
Leave a comment