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Don’t shoot your dear pet when it doesn’t entertain you any more - find out what to do

Posted On Tuesday, September 22, 2009

By- Sandhya Sutodia


All old, stray animals get treated here

Not just humans, animals too need love and care. But, taking good care of animals is indeed rare. With the help of the people of the city, Animal Shelter-cum-Hospital And Research Institute (Ashari), a veterinary hospital complex, at Mukundapur has made Kolkata the only no-kill city for stray dogs in India because of their intensive drive to control the stray dog population and the spread of rabies.

Cows that have grown old and as a result abused and little creatures like cats, mongoose, snakes and tortoises, all get treated here. When the animals are in pain Ashari rescues them. Dr Annapurna Sinha Roy, a surgeon with Ashari, is proud of saving the lives of so many unwanted creatures.


Operation theatre for the animals

The shelter of 4.4 acres of land can house up to 20 large animals, 50 dogs and 30 cats. The officials from the clinic said obsolete horses are brought here from Barrackpore Police Training College and Kolkata Mounted Police and Maidan. For the first time anywhere, old police horses are pensioned off while earlier, they were shot.

The government provides 30 per cent of the maintenance cost to Ansari so that it takes care of them. Groups worldwide are emulating this strategy. Kolkata Police has given 17 retired horses, and Rs 32 per day for food. Actual food costs come to over Rs 100. The cost of medicines and staff is extra. These expenses are taken care of by donations. While old age takes a toll on some animals, others can enjoy retirement benefits. Apurba Krishna Mukherjee, manager, veterinary clinic, said at present there are 14 horses.


Old horses of Kolkata Police are sent here

Ashari participates in checking cruelty to pets, livestock, stray animals and lab testing. It promotes vegetarianism, and checks the methods used in slaughter houses. It also protects illegal trade in wild birds and animals, and opposes animal sacrifices done at places like Kalighat in the name of religion.

Not only this Ashari’s Public Interest Litigation against Calcutta Zoo resulted in a better life for animals in all major zoos in India. Now the animals have larger cages, specially created free space to roam, and companionship of one or more animals of their species.

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