With all businesses shut and humans cooped up in their homes to curb the spread of coronavirus, the City streets wear a deserted look. But one thing that remains constant on these roads are the stray animals scampering around for food.
Dependent on getting leftovers from small eateries and road side food stalls, these voiceless creatures have been pushed to the verge of starvation during the imposed lockdown. Several non government organizations and individuals have come forward and taken up the mammoth task of providing them with food.
City based NGO called Animal Welfare Trust has been involved in rescuing stray animals, getting them treated and giving them shelter for the past 22 years. During the lockdown, it has gathered close to 150 volunteers across the City who are involved in feeding the furry creatures.
“From the day of the Janta Curfew was held on March 22, food has become scarce for these street dwellers. It was then that we decided to take up the cause of feeding them to the best of our capacity. With permission from the district administration, we started out on March 23 itself. On the first day, since these dogs were unaware that someone was on their way with food, we fed about 450- 500 dogs. As per the last counting done a few days back, the average number of strays being fed has gone upto 1200- 1300 on a regular basis,” said the Founder, Sonali Mazumdar.
Starting from Angara Chowk Mazumdar and her team cover localities like Khelgaon, Kokar, Morabadi, Ratu road, Harmu Housing Colony, Kardu and Namkum. As these animals are not used to eating dog food, the team feeds them boiled rice or chudwa mixed with curd.
“Apart from volunteers, numerous people from Ranchi have also helped us financially in carrying out this campaign. As per our scriptures the first two bites should be given to the cows where as the last two to the dogs, so if people have a little leftover food, feeding the dogs would earn them a friend for life,” added Mazumdar.
Shekhar Prasad, a resident of the containment zone of Hindpiri has been feeding Pedigree mixed with boiled rice and eggs to as many as 80 dogs on a daily basis.
“While imposing the lockdown, the authorities totally forgot about the stray animals. Initially I would go to Morabadi to feed them but since the area has been cordoned off, I decided to feed the dogs in my locality only. Just like children get excited over candies, it’s heartening to see these creatures get excited when they see us arriving. Humans may still betray but one morsel given to these beings will always be remembered by them,” said Prasad.