Even as numerous Samaritans are already extending a helping hand to offer respite to stray animals in the ongoing biting cold, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has also joined the cause, urging individuals to provide cots and mattresses to these homeless creatures, particularly in Northern India, which is in the grip of harsh weather.
AWBI Secretary SK Dutta, in a recent letter, appealed to the general public, saying, “As we grapple with an intense cold wave affecting our nation, we must address the well-being of our stray animals.
“Furthermore, it is most urgent to provide appropriate bedding and mattresses to stray animals. This measure is essential not only to meet their thermal requirements but also to ensure a level of comfort vital for their survival.”
“This small gesture of providing bedding and cots to these stray animals will reinforce our humane commitment towards voiceless animals, thereby fulfilling our fundamental duties envisaged under Article 51 A(g) of the Constitution of India,” said Dutta.
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is an apex body for the protection and safeguarding of the rights of animals, as well as ensuring that the five freedoms of the animals are upheld and no animals are subject to any unnecessary pain or suffering.
While the official efforts of the AWBI, a statutory body established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, may have gladdened many hearts, there are individuals already contributing their part to bring warmth into the lives of these furry beings.
On the social platform X, a clamor for assistance resonates, echoing the collective call to make this winter a tad more bearable for our four-legged companions.
Animal lover Vidit Sharma, known as @TheViditsharma, said, “Sharing a glimpse of our morning rituals! The preparation for feeding thousands of stray dogs and other animals in need is in full swing. With a cold wave gripping the NCR for the next 30 days, winters are tough for our furry friends. Join us in making this season a bit easier for them with warm, hearty meals.” Sharma’s venture is also crafting cozy jute beds for stray dogs in bone-chilling winters.
Another netizen, Divyanshu Upadhyay, with the handle @divyanshu_hope, said, “Our team has come forward to help stray dogs stay warm in winter. Donating clothes made by women working in our stitching center, we are helping our furry friends stay comfortable during the cold months.”
“They deserve to live,” he adds.
Social influencers like Dr. Vedika, known as @vishkanyaaaa, are supporting the NGO ‘House of Stray Animals’ and highlighting its efforts to help stray dogs stay warm during winters. She said, “They are donating woolen blankets, sweaters, and even beds to keep those furry friends comfortable during winter. Have one? Why don’t you put one on who needs it most?” in her post.
According to Sanjay Mahapatra, the founder of House of Stray Animals, a city-based NGO, every year many animals die during winter due to hypothermia, pneumonia, or an inability to combat diseases.
Mahapatra mentioned, “We try to reduce that number by providing everything at our disposal. A large number of people join us to volunteer, and that gives us hope.” The NGO has already provided sweaters or winter jackets to more than 3,200 dogs, as per reports.
Vets emphasize that during winters in India, stray dogs face numerous challenges that put their health and safety at risk. With no warm shelter to protect them from harsh weather conditions, these animals are often left to fend for themselves in the cold. “They are more susceptible to illnesses, hypothermia, and frostbite, and are forced to scavenge for food and water amidst the scarcity of these resources. This also leads to malnutrition and dehydration, making these animals even more vulnerable to infections,” they pointed out.