Ambulance, special helpline for pets this Deepavali

Blue Cross has trained over 30 volunteers who will be available throughout the day, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ready to tend to animals as needed. “Our ambulance services are available throughout the year, but during Deepavali, we will have 30 volunteers, working in three shifts. Each group will be headed by an experienced team leader. The volunteers include working professionals and college students. We also have doctors and para-meds available round the clock,” says Dawn William of Blue Cross. The animal welfare organisation has also has stocked up on necessary medication to treat burns. 

Dr Sockalingam of Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that they too will have a 24/7 ambulance service on standby. “Last year we rescued over 20 animals and treated more than 100 animals during Deepavali,” he adds. 

Activists say atrocities against animals are becoming a regular feature. “Last year, we had the case of a few miscreants tying fire crackers around a dog and bursting it. The dog was seriously burnt and later, it succumbed to the injuries,” says Dinesh Baba of Cloud No 9 Kennel & Nursing care. 

“Apart from having our volunteers on the field for three days, and a dedicated 24x7 helpline, we will also have on-call a veterinary doctor who will be an expert in treating burn injuries of animals,” he adds. The animal activists are sharing the information on the helpline and services available for pets during Deepavali on social media. They have also displayed posters, with the emergency contact numbers. Hotels for Dogs and Save Earth for Next Generation are providing the emergency ambulance service. 

While Deepavali is a festival of joy for humans, bursting of high decibel crackers often upsets the animals. The hearing capacity of animals is mre sensitive compared to humans, and they tend to run away when they hear loud noise. “We are giving away collars with the name, number and address printed on it. In case, a pet runs away it could be safely brought back to the owners. Apart from that, we will be keeping a rescue team ready to attend to emergency rescue operations,” says G. Arun Prasanna of People For Cattle in India (PFCI). 

PFCI: 9789042295 

Blue Cross: 044 2235 4959 

SPCA: 094441 00287 

Nishanth: 7845018969 

Dinesh: 9841588852