With Covid-19 outbreak, the Delhi Police, other than maintaining law and order in the city are also extending a helping hand in rescuing distressed and injured animals across the city.
Recently, the Delhi Police being the first responder to the calls on their control room, had rescued an injured monkey in front of the President’s estate - Rashtrapati Bhavan and a police officer after noticing a dehydrated green pigeon collapsed on the side of the road immediately rescued the bird and brought it to the care of Wildlife SOS for medical treatment.
According to wildlife SOS officials, the Police Control Room (PCR) of Delhi Police contacts the Wildlife SOS hotline to redirect calls that require the deployment of the Rapid Response Unit to intervene in rescuing wild animals, birds or snakes.
“When members of the public or residents in Delhi spot an animal that is injured or in distress, they often call the Police who became the first point of contact,” said the official.
“Police work during the Covid pandemic has certainly been taxing, but very rewarding as well. In our line of work, it is a matter of instinct to help and protect first. These are tough times for everyone, including animals. We also happen to be the first responders in some cases especially when urban wildlife is involved. Delhi police are sensitive to the cause. We are aware of the herculean task Wildlife SOS Rapid Response teams undertake daily in order to safeguard animals, and we try to do our bit for our wild-life,” said Dr Eish Singhal, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi district.
Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO & Co-founder of Wildlife SOS, said that they understand the tremend-ous pressure the Delhi Police work under and greatly appreciate their compassion towards animals and the cooperation they extend to Wildlife SOS.
“It was inspiring to see Delhi Police Head Constable Dattatray Gawali bring an injured yellow legged green pigeon to Wildlife SOS for treatment. The concern and worry on the police officers face was visible. We are grateful and applaud their spirit of empathy,” said the CEO.
“Recently wildlife SOS received a report of a Cobra snake found in a car in Delhi. The family who discovered the snake in their car called the Police Control Room in panic. The PCR in turn contacted Wildlife SOS for assistance, while ensuring that a police team remained on the spot to keep the situation under control until the Wildlife SOS team arrived at the location. Police presence ensures rescues are successful,” said Geeta Seshamani, Secretary & Co- founder of Wildlife SOS.