Stray animals need our help too: Aditi

CHENNAI: Disaster, as the last 2015 floods proved, is often a time when people from all walks of life come together and help those in distress. But stray animals are often abandoned.

“Stray animals, especially dogs and cattle, are ignored both by the government and the people,” says Aditi Madhusudhan, a city-based welfare activist and social worker who has formed a WhatsApp group to help stray animals affected by the current rains and subsequent waterlogging.”From last Wednesday, the rains have been hammering the city and stray animals have been the worst affected. Currently, we have 10 members and operate from Thiruvanmiyur till Uthandi,” adds Aditi.

The group is primarily accepting dry food items such as dog food (Drools, Pedigree, etc), but they are also looking for empty gunny bags that shall give the animals a respite from the wet, cold weather.”Any form of help is welcome. We can even take care of logistics if required. These poor animals cannot survive without our intervention.”

Though it has been over a week since Aditi’s group has been on the lookout for aid and support, the response, she says, has been lukewarm so far. “Individuals are coming forward with biscuits and other food items, but that is just not enough to meet the demand. We had even reached out to some restauranteurs on Facebook, asking for leftover food, even bones, but nobody has responded,” she laments. “We appeal to Good Samaritans, to open their gates to stray/abandone animals, in this hour of need. It would be great if you would let them spend the night on your lawn or porch, at least. Remember, if you do not help these voiceless beings, nobody else will.”

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