HYDERABAD: A group of passionate animal lovers have come together in Hyderabad to take up the work of welfare of stray animals after Blue Cross shut down its rescue services in Hyderabad. The dedicated group of as many as 20 animal lovers, consisting mostly youngsters in their twenties, is rescuing atleast five-six animals everyday.
One of the key persons of this group is Pradeep Nair, an IT professional. He says, “Initially, we were shocked but we began seeing the shutting down of Blue Cross rescue operations in a positive light
. Earlier, many people used to call up Blue Cross even for the most minor injuries or used to dump such animals at their animal shelter. There was not much citizen participation beyond that. Now, we have developed a plan for involving more people in the rescue and rehabilitation operations.”
What is the plan?
Nair says, “There are three levels of injuries. Level-1 includes minor injuries which do not require animals to be kept in shelter. Treatment can be given on the spot and thev animal can be set free. We will soon conduct a paramedical training camp in Hyderabad with the help of veterinarians to train rescuers for the work.”
Level-2 injuries include post-operative care, small fractures or maggot infestation. Shelter needs to be provided for the animals for two-three days and this is where Hyderabadis, with a small space to spare, can help develop pocket shelters across the city. About 40 Hyderabadais have provided pocket shelters to the rescued animals, Nair said.
B Aravind, a resident of Lingampally has opened up the backyard of his house to provide a shelter where an abandoned German shepherd and two injured puppies have been recuperating. He says, “One need not have a huge space for starting such a shelter. Colony associations and apartments can be made small available spaces for shelters where the level-2 injured animals can recuperate for a few days.”
The IT professional says that for Level-3 injured animals, like rabid dogs, Blue Cross and People for Animals have accepted to provide shelters. He says, “It is mostly Level-1 and Level-2 injuries which are commonly reported and if city folks come forward, these animals can easily be rehabilitated.”
Contact details for animal rescue
With the Blue Cross shutting down rescue activities, one can contact Pradeep Nair on 9553061691 for animal rescue operation, volunteering for rescue activities and to provide animal shelter.