Vadodara: A project started in Milk City Anand promises to reduce fatal accidents caused by stray cattle across cities and towns in the country. Anand-based Rescue and Rehabilitation of Stray Animals Foundation (RRSAINDIA) has initiated a project to equip stray cattle with reflective collars. The project was initiated by Motopaws, an organisation led by Shantanu Naidu, a close associate of the late Ratan Tata.
Naidu's animal welfare organisation has chosen the Anand-based organisation for the initial implementation of the project.
"Stray cows and bulls are often seen on roads in Anand and various parts of the country, leading to numerous accidents. To mitigate such incidents, Motopaws has collaborated with us to launch the pilot project in Anand. The success metrics of this initiative in Anand will determine its implementation across other parts of India wherever needed," said Anjali Chhagnani, secretary of RRSAINDIA.
On Thursday, the pilot started by collaring 50 cattle on the road from Anand to Tarapur crossroads (chowkdi).
Naidu, during a discussion with RRSAINDIA, explained that equipping stray cattle with reflective collars and monitoring them systematically can significantly reduce accidents caused by wandering animals on roads. This, in turn, can prevent injuries and loss of life for both humans and animals.
"It is a matter of immense pride for us that Anand has been chosen for this pilot project and RRSAINDIA has been entrusted with its implementation. We are determined to ensure its successful execution to protect the life of both animals and humans," Chhagnani said.
Since 2016, RRSAINDIA collared more than 8,000 stray dogs to date. It carries out projects for animal welfare, including reflective collar drives, anti-rabies vaccination camps, rescue and rehabilitation, stray dog sterilisation, awareness campaigns, and adoption camps, among others.
The foundation also runs an animal hospital and shelter equipped with infrastructure facilities like X-ray, USG, ambulances, operation theatre, and admission wards, which is free of cost for all the stray animals.