Compassion gets its due: 60 caring for strays felicitated
Animal lovers gather in large numbers to encourage adoption and care of stray animals
LUCKNOW : To own a pet is easy. Nevertheless, taking care of the homeless strays is something commendable and a courageous step. Celebrating the same spirit of benevolence, the Lucknow Animal Welfare Forum in association with an NGO ‘Faith Foundation’ felicitated around 60 people who have been working for the welfare of animals, during a programme ‘Lucknow stands for homeless animals’ organised on Saturday.
Animal lovers and people from all walks of life came forward to become a part this grand and unique event to convey the message of how people stand for the homeless and needy animals.
Animal lovers, not only from the state capital but also from the neighbouring districts, participated in the event held at the Moti Mahal lawns.
To give a creative start to the event inaugurated by law minister Brijesh Pathak, a drawing competition was organised in which over 40 children from the slums took part. “The theme of the drawing competition was ‘Love Indian animals’. There were many children who drew beautiful pictures highlighting their love for the homeless dogs of Indian breeds. It was tough for the judges to shortlist the winners as pictures were very beautiful and full of emotional messages,” said Rishabh Shukla, founder of Faith Foundation.
The drawing competition was followed by the felicitation programme in which the animal activists and all those who extended their help to the animals in need, were felicitated. In the programme, awards for various categories were given like those who feed the animals and work for their welfare.
The awardees also included people from the field of media and police department. Around 60 people were felicitated on the occasion.
Another attraction of the day was ‘Indie dog adoption camp’. “Our aim is to tell the masses that these dogs are not ‘jungli’ or ‘awaara’. Instead they are highly adaptable, intuitive and understanding creatures on earth. We made an attempt to sensitize people to develop the feeling of love and respect towards them,” said an animal welfare activist at the camp.
Besides, health check-up centres for pets were also established to assist the pet owners understand the medical needs of their furry companions.
“Overall theme of the event was to help people understand the pain and importance of homeless animals. The programme aimed at giving a platform to all animal lovers and other participants to discuss the current situation, challenges and awareness of miseries of homeless animals. At the event, the awardees also shared their experiences of rescue, rehab, rights, and relief of homeless animals,” said Navneet Gupta, volunteer of Lucknow Animal Welfare Forum.