Aftermath of the pandemic leaves NGO on a tight budget

However they continue to put on a brave fight to rescue any strays that come their way

IDA (In Defence of Animals) is a non-profit grassroots animal protection organisation that acts as a voice for all non-human living creatures. It started out of two garages in March 1997 before opening its first centre on 1st February, 2000 in Deonar. Since then it has opened three new shelters in Navi Mumbai (26th July, 2006), Raigad (21st December, 2012) and Lonavala (8th March, 2013). However since the pandemic and during its aftermath, they have faced numerous financial constraints.

Before being given a new lease of life by the NGO, the Deonar centre served as the killing place for street dogs. They would be kept alive for three days in case a citizen came to claim them before being slaughtered by electric shocks. After numerous attempts by the organisation, Bombay High Court directed the MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai) who were previously running the pound to undertake a spray and neuter program instead. The pound would then be handed over to the organisation on 22nd December, 1999 to carry out the animal birth control initiative along with the MCGM.

Ten kennels and a small structure that served as the admin office to carry out the killings was transformed into 3236 square metres of comfort for dogs and cats. Stray animals in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai that are from Sion to Mulund on one end and from Chembur to Mankhurd on another are catered to by the organisation.

Currently centre has 22 community shelters to house dogs under the spray and neuter program, ten community kennels for treatment cases, one ICU (Intensive Care Unit), three halls to house dogs being treated for maggot cases, one exclusive ward for blind dogs, one puppy ward and a space that the dogs can roam freely in. For cats, the centre has one ward to house those under the spray and neuter program, another ward to house treatment cases and a kitten ward.

Although the MCGM partly finances the spray and neuter program, over the last few years especially during the pandemic, the NGO faced numerous monetary setbacks. Despite the lockdown imposed nationwide, Manager Krishna endeavoured to sustain the shelter and ensure a smooth running of operations. With the help of Dr Ghanavat, a vet at the centre, ambulance services were arranged for daily commute. The pandemic led to the other three shelters being non functional leaving the Deonar centre to be the main point of contact for any cases. The help rendered by LSS Deepak and a few BMC vets who handled all outpatient cases along with Dr Vinay who handled all their inhouse dogs and cats, the centre was able to function well during those turbulent times.

The staff too proved their mettle and decided to continue working during those uncertain times. A Jain temple in Ghatkopar and Chembur looked after their morning as well as afternoon meals. Meals during the evening and night were provided by the centre’s volunteers and a gracious donor from Kurla respectively. The combined efforts of the staff, management, volunteers and donors ultimately paid off.

A semblance of normalcy was restored once the lockdown had been lifted. Apart from the joint program, the various activities that the NGO carries out is solely reliant on the funds they receive through donations. To help keep them afloat, they have started sponsorship programmes for dogs and sale of merchandise. Certain fundraising events were organised as well which included a dinner and a musical night.

“Fundraising is always an integral part of any NGO. Despite a grim time during the lockdown, our donors helped us immensely. We have even managed to get foreign support for our blind dogs. Every room that has been built would not have been possible without their support,” says Vivienne Choudhury, one of the trustees of the organisation.

With the Deonar centre being the largest out of the other four, there has been a growing need to get more hands on board. At present the management comprises 50 people consisting of 35 ward boys including two lady assistants, two surgeons, two vets, six paravets, one visiting vet, a manager and office staff. They still require more ward boys, an assistant manager and another vet.

Chodhury stresses on the importance of such endeavours being carried out by the common public. “There is a crying need for more animal welfare NGOs. At present the situation has improved as other organisations have entered this field and are doing valuable work. But the cruelty against street animals prevails. Animal birth control is an important effort for public health. Public knowledge pertaining to animals and their plight is sadly lacking therefore education about animal welfare should be included in school and college syllabus. Society today is so fast paced that animals tend to be left behind and left out of plans concerning the redevelopment of cities''.