Activists want pet blood donation camps at frequent intervals

Chennai

Welcoming the move, animal activists around the state stressed on the need for owners to volunteer to donate their pet’s blood.

The TANUVAS Animal Blood Bank (TABB), which organises blood donation camps on a regular basis, stores the dog blood and its components to transfuse into anaemic dogs that are brought to the hospital. The Department of Clinics at the university held the camp at the in-patients building in the small animal clinics.

A total of 50 dog blood donors and 100 pet owners were present at the camp. Totally, 25 student volunteers (UG and PG scholars) created awareness through campaigns and slogans, said a doctor at the institute.

Stating that there were several instances wherein dogs needed blood due to illnesses or anaemia, T Arun, an animal rights’ activist said, “Such camps should be held more often by other centres as well. Besides, owners must be encouraged to come forward with their pets to donate blood as it is very important and can help to save the lives of many animals.”

During the camp, three dogs, which had donated blood several times, were commemorated with collar medals and their owners were felicitated to increase the awareness of the cause. Other owners, who brought their pets, were given multivitamins, anti-tick products, de-worming medication, dog food and collar donor medals to encourage donation in the future.