Coronavirus lockdown: Animal right activists take care of stray animals

PUNE: Amidst the coronavirus lockdown, the stray animals have been deprived of food and so to help them, a lot of volunteers and animal right activist have come forward to feed the animals.

“Instead of calling stray animals, I prefer them calling community animals. During the lockdown, they were deprived of food and therefore we have been feeding the animals and birds. I used to feed animals before as well. Since lockdown, we have accelerated it,” said Meena Rai of Pawsect Animal Welfare Society, an NGO working for the welfare animals.

She further said, “Eight volunteers with my NGO registered last year are feeding in their respective areas of the city such as Erandwane, Deccan, Pimpri and others.”

Another animal right activist, Darshana Mazumdar resident of NIBM road is also feeding stray animals in her area. She said, “We have been feeding stray dogs, and other animals as we have to understand that food is the fundamental requirement, and it should be fulfilled. In the lockdown, it is important to stay safe and not roam around, but it is also equally necessary to help these stray animals.”

Beena Malikaveetil, the Managing Trustee of Tails ‘N’ Trees, said, “A lot of volunteers across the city is helping in feeding stray animals in different parts of the city. Karma Foundation, another NGO provided us with food for stray animals which we distributed to the stray animal feeders in Viman Nagar.”