CHENNAI: Ears up, regular shivers, anxious, and always on a look out for a place to hide…it’s finally under the cot, where we think they feel secure. People who own dogs and cats will probably understand where we are headed. Yes, Diwali is the day when our furry friends will probably need our warmth and some sympathy.
“The tolerance level in each dog towards crackers differs; a few dogs can sit and watch firecrackers, while other just cannot bear it,” explains Dr Priyadarshini Govind, a veterinarian. The animals, be it stray or pets, are usually confused because of the sudden rise in noise level.
Every year there are a number of accidents that happen to animals, but how many of us are aware of it? Priya Varshini, an independent rescuer in the city, shares with us an incident that took place last year. Her stray-pet, Blacky went missing during Diwali, and after nearly a month he was found with skin burns. “I had given up, thinking Blacky must have died. But I found this thin dog with skin burns following me one day and it turned out to be Blacky,” she avers.
Ssivyog S Saravanan, another veterinarian in the city, informs, “Diwali is also the time pets tend to run out of their homes, because of fear and anxiety.”Crackers may be fun during Diwali, but when it troubles other species, this is what you can do. “It’s a festival of lights; there are a number of ways to celebrate it. Decorating your house is a better option. I gave up bursting crackers when I brought home my two pets, Millie and Gru,” smiles Gopal GT.
Sownthika Sivagnanam, an 18-year-old student, stopped bursting crackers seven years ago when she brought her pug, Tinu, she says, “He is not seen anywhere around us when we turn on the grinder. I don’t want to make him feel insecure by bursting crackers.”
Though pets are protected inside homes, they are still prone to risks, thanks to cracker waste. “Usually, we find cows feeding on posters on the walls and puppies tend to eat everything they find on road. So there’s a chance of stray animals feeding on cracker waste accidentally or unintentionally,” explains Dr Saravanan.
There are a number of messages on WhatsApp and posts on Facebook creating awareness about pet care during Diwali. We also identified a few NGOs who are doing this for both strays and pets. “We have made sure there are vets available on call to treat any injured animal. The drive will start two days ahead of Diwali and will continue for a day after that too,” shares Kamal, who is a part of the NGO,Hearty Paws.
Shravan Krishnan, who rescued Bhadra, shares, “We will be organising two 24-hour rescue ambulances with vets to treat injured animals and also help lost animals find their home.” The NGOs are active as a group, and Priya and her friends have been distributing pamphlets. “The leaflet carries messages like, have a tag on your pets collar, don’t punish the stray and simple pointers on whom to contact if you find an injured animal. We have distributed it to many people on Besant Nagar Beach, Marina Beach and in residential areas too,” she shares.
How to protect strays