Saviours Of The Strays

Saviours Of The Strays

The never-ending cycle of lockdown and shutdown has taken a heavy toll on stray animals in and around the city. With restaurants, eateries and hotels downing shutters, the street animals are finding it difficult to find food to kill their hunger. As a result, they are showing signs of increased hostility. There have been many incidents of human-animal conflict due to the aggression among strays. But there are some Good Samaritans who have come to the rescue of these stranded animals during the pandemic. My City Links rounded up some acts of compassion and kindness towards the voiceless souls in these times of adversity.

Founder of Speak For Animals (SFA) Kusal Biswas launched an initiative to feed strays during the lockdown and shutdown period. Besides, his team took up the job of vaccinating stray animals, mostly puppies, against rabies, parvovirus and distemper as well as de-worming them. They are also involved in rescuing animals from different parts of the State. “During our feeding drive, we come across a lot of puppies. Vaccinating them is the need of the hour. We have vaccinated around 50-60 animals. Since vaccines are expensive, we are yet to decide on making this drive exclusive. But we have started collecting funds for the purpose. Currently, we are working round-the-clock to rescue animals stuck in different areas or hurt because of the recent cyclone. Our team is set for Dhamra port in Bhadrak which bore the maximum brunt of cyclone to do our bit,” informed Kusal.

Sharing a recent incident in which a group of boys beat up several dogs in Bhawanipatna and filmed the entire act and posted it on social media, Kusal said the SFA team went to the spot to investigate the matter. “It was really very pleasant to experience that the authorities there promptly acted on our complaint. The cooperation of the authorities and action taken against the culprits was satisfying. It felt good to see people coming out in support of animals and standing against any injustice towards them,” he said. The SFA founder further informed that people outside Odisha are also extending their support to the cause and standing up against cruelty against animals. SFA can be reached on their helpline number 9777270804 for any assistance. 

Similarly, Govinda Chandra Swain, a retired SBI Manager, has been a godfather to stray dogs for the past 20 years. Every evening, he goes out with his pet dog and feeds the strays in several areas. The animals earnestly wait for his arrival, wagging their tails in elation. “Animals have always fascinated me. I have dogs at home and I love them immensely. My daughters complain that I do not love them as much as I love my pets,” said the old man with a chuckle. “I feel as humans, it is our duty to look after animals. This lockdown has encouraged many people to do the same. I am happy to see this welcome change. The present generation is doing a great job,” he added.

The lockdown has come as a turning point for everyone. It has make people to introspect and learn new things. For Saurav Mishra, a student, the realisation to tend to the street dogs of his locality was a great revelation. “Saurav expressed his desire to feed the street dogs during the lockdown period. This was a very noble idea and I agreed. Now we cook extra food everyday to feed the animals,” said Saurav’s mother Ranjeeta.

Saurav also makes sure to feed the strays whenever he goes on a vacation or outing. “Recently, I visited Puri beach with my friend Sharron Cheriyan and we both fed the animals there. It was a happy trip. The dogs looked happy. What more can one expect other than giving happiness to another being,” said the lad.

Shakespeare rightly said, “Mercy is twice blessed. It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” Swapna Misra Harrison, who runs a cat shelter called Pretty Paws Circle Of Love, said, “You can find water pots outside most of the houses these days. People who do not have pets, still take the initiative due to the searing heat. This small act of compassion quenches the thirst of dogs, cows, birds and other strays. People have indeed become empathetic and generous.” 

From leaving bowls of water on the terrace to meticulously creating a bird-zone in their compounds or balconies, people have been doing their bit to help birds during the scorching summer. “The pandemic has helped me create a space for birds to come and enjoy themselves on my balcony. Though it was created for them, it actually serves an escapade for me when I feel exhausted after doing all the household chores. The sweet chirping of birds in the early mornings and evenings is so refreshing and relaxing. It beats all the blues and refreshes my mind instantly,” said Soumya, a homemaker.

Animal rights activist Sristi Choudhry said, “No life can exist without water or food. We are so busy in our hectic lifestyle that we find it impossible to do our bit for the society and nature. Keeping water for birds and animals and feeding them is the least we can do. And in summer, tending to these animals should be our duty since we have the luxury to look out for ourselves. Animals and birds are our co-beings.” 

Moved by the plight of monkeys at Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills during the pandemic, a group of students from BJB Autonomous College took permission from the authorities concerned to feed the animals. They are visiting the place every day to feed the starving monkeys. Prafulla Sahoo, a student leader, said, “The animals become ecstatic on seeing us. They realise that we are here to feed them daily. Exactly at noon, they would gather at one place and wait for our arrival. It is a sight to behold.” 

Similarly, Nihar Ranjan Das, a member of Youth For Seva, informed that he and his team of around 70 members are involved in feeding stray animals in Bhubaneswar during the weekend shutdown. “Since all our members are working in different fields, we usually get time during the weekends to feed the strays across the city. We even get calls from people outside Bhubaneswar. Since we have tied up with several other organisations, we forward these calls to the respective persons and arrangements are made to help the animals,” said Nihar.

Considering the pitiable condition of animals, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sanctioned funds from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for feeding stray cattle, dogs and birds during the lockdown and shutdown period. For this noble act, Naveen Patnaik was awarded by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India in 2020. The Chief Minister received a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation.

The pandemic has been a testing time for all, including the animals and birds that need our support and care to survive this difficult period. Let us do our bit by looking out for them in this hour of crisis.