ABC and ARV Programme in Vallikavu

Submitted by Thankachy on Tue, 2009-01-20 10:30

PfA Kollam Chapter conducted an Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination programme in Vallikavu, in November and December, 2008.

In all, 17 dogs were sterilised and vaccinated by Dr. Giggin, Dr. Santosh, and Dr. Sajay Kumar (All from Animal Husbandry Department). The dog's ears were notched to serve as identification for the local villagers and for PfA in the future. Post-operative care was also given to the animals, and they were released only after healing.

This program was funded entirely by PfA members.

Space for conducting the surgeries was provided by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, in a vacant Tsunami Shelter in Shrayikkad Village. Thanks are due also to the volunteers from the Math who assisted with the program.

The PfA Animal Ambulance was used to collect dogs, and bring medical and surgical equipment.

Live and Let Live

The Kollam Chapter

This Kollam Chapter was formed in December 2003 by a group of similar-minded teachers. At that time there were no such organizations locally. It was registered under the Indian Trusts Act on February 5^th 2004, under the chairperson-ship of Smt Maneka Gandhi, MP.

We work via all avenues to improve conditions for animals locally. Among our most important programmes is the Animal Birth Control (ABC) initiative, wherein street animals are sterilized, vaccinated and returned to their colonies to live out their lives harmlessly and healthily. Another way we seek to reduce the stray population is by encouraging people to adopt Indian dogs from the street or shelters instead of buying foreign pedigrees.

Our awareness campaigns include schools and colleges, as a part of the functioning of the Kindness Club. We also conduct free veterinary camps in villages, during which free medicine and feed are distributed. We also vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies.

Our Animal Ambulance has been modified into a mobile Animal Clinic. The cost of the land for our Animal Shelter has been met via a grant from the National Chairperson Maneka Gandhi, and also through donations. The shelter construction has started, and is now half done. The grant for this construction was provided by the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Just one among many of our activities, the Kollam Chapter was instrumental in forming a Kindness Club to promote kindness and awareness among people.