India
There are an estimated 35 million stray dogs in India; which is little wonder given that sterilisation of dogs is virtually non-existent. In addition, the risk of rabies has led many locals to fear, and even abuse, stray dogs while methods of reducing the population include poisonings and beatings; both of which are cruel and, ultimately, ineffective.
That’s why we’re proud to be launching our first ever project in India.
PFAT (People for Animals Trust)
PFAT (People for Animals Trust) was set up in 2007 in response to the many animals in the Faridabad region who were in desperate need of proper care. The shelter has been recognised across India for it’s fantastic work, campaigning for animal rights and working to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured animals.
Like Wild at Heart Foundation, PFAT believes in the importance of sterilisation and education initiatives. So when we met it’s founder, Ravi Dubey, at our Monmouth St Pop-Up Shop in 2019, we were in awe of his passion and only too eager to help.
Ravi recognised that lockdown would be difficult on stray animals too, who have come to rely on the feeding routes that Ravi’s team provide. They received special exemption from local authorities, which allowed them to resume feeding routes throughout lockdown. This not only served as a lifeline to the many dogs and puppies that roam Faridabad, but also for the cows, monkeys and donkeys.
Mehta Trust
We were incredibly lucky to meet the team at the Mehta Trust and brainstorm ways to collaborate on a project that matched our shared vision of making radical, lasting difference to both animals and people within small communities.
We were delighted to introduce the Mehta Trust to PFAT India and discuss ways in which we could begin supporting them, kicking off with a generous donation to help fund the pressing need to feed stray animals, despite the ongoing global pandemic.
Future projects
This marks the beginning of what we envision being an incredible ongoing partnership. Our hope is to support the build of a brand new shelter and animal hospital, designed to provide a safe haven for local strays and also act as a facility for nursing animals back to health.
We’re also investigating ways to facilitate UK rehoming. This can be a lengthy process that requires careful research, but if we can find loving homes for just some of India’s stray dogs, then we will endeavour to make this happen.
Our passion for the strays of India has been very much inspired by one very special dog at the centre of a unique rescue mission. This pup’s resilience and zest for life, despite everything she’s been through, has inspired us and we can’t wait to share more about both her, and our work in India, in the future.