MUMBAI: MARS Petcare, the world’s leading pet food company, hosted a webinar on June 30 that aimed to identify and address issues around the welfare of stray companion animals in India.
On the panels were Dr. Chinny Krishna, founder of Blue Cross of India, and Dr V Ravinder Reddy, Vice-Chancellor of PVNR Telangana Veterinary University, Rajendranagar, as the guests of honour. The chief guest was Sri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary of Industries and Commerce, Telangana.
The other panelists were Amala Akkineni, Chairperson of the Blue Cross of Hyderabad; Dr Abdul Wakeel, Chief Veterinary Officer, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation; and Alokparna Sengupta, MD, Humane Society of India, to name a few.
The seminar was the first of its kind in India, bringing together stakeholder representatives, NGOs and government bodies to find solutions for the welfare of stray companion animals. The event aimed to create educational advocacy for pet parents as they have a lifelong commitment towards their pets.
In order to encourage adoption, panelists said potential pet parents should look beyond coveted dog breeds to accept stray companion animals with similar love and respect. To this end, the Young Angels Programme imbibes in children compassion and sensitivity towards our furry companions.
It is necessary to ensure street animals are wanted, cared for and welcomed.
A large number of stray companion animals are suffering from starvation, homelessness and disease. With COVID-19 making the situation worse, there is an urgent need to educate and encourage people to treat them with love and compassion in order to create a more humane society.
Ganesh Ramani, General Manager, MARS Petcare, said: “India has seen a rise in voluntary stray feeding and adoption. MARS Petcare believes in creating a better world for pets and has undertaken adoption drives for strays as well as feeding activities. We also run advertising campaigns urging the country to end homelessness of companion animals. These voiceless, furry companions bring unconditional love and care to humans and ultimately create a better life for them. However, the animals themselves don’t always have a good life. We have united on this platform to create a world that’s wonderful for both humans and animals. Improving the lives of strays would make for a better world.”
Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary of Industries and Commerce, Telangana, stated: “People show either compassion or indifference towards strays. There is a need for positive communication around animals. Partnerships should exist not only between the public and private sectors, but also with them and the community. I am grateful to MARS Petcare for inviting me to this thought leadership webinar on such a crucial topic.”
Dr Chinny Krishna, Founder, Blue Cross of India: “Blue Cross of India has been at the forefront of animal welfare since 1964. Over the years, we have conducted numerous animal birth control and anti-rabies programmes across the country. According to studies, pets and animals improve the health and well-being of humans. This drives us to continue striving for the well-being of stray animals. I am grateful to corporations such as MARS Petcare whose core philosophy is aligned to creating a better world for pets.”
Amala Akkineni, Chairperson, Blue Cross of Hyderabad, said: “At Blue Cross of Hyderabad, we call strays ‘community animals’ as they are a part of the community. For 28 years, we have been conducting projects for the welfare of animals. We have worked very closely with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to conduct animal birth control programmes and have conducted 1,000 to 1,200 surgeries a month, which has resulted in 40% of dogs being sterilised in Hyderabad. Our most effective campaign has been the adoption programme. I would like to appreciate MARS Petcare for not only organising this webinar to bring such an important topic to the fore but also for donating scientifically formulated pet food that has helped improve the health of animals and led to quality adoptions. The dry kibble given by MARS Petcare facilitated animal health improvement – they smelled better, had shiny coats and were active and playful.”
This seminar was the first in the series bringing stakeholders on a common platform to find solutions to improve the lives of stray/street/community companion animals. It generated tremendous interest among animal welfare organizations across the country who are keen to have this platform extended to other cities in India as well. As part of its organizational purpose of creating a better world for pets, MARS Petcare is committed to bringing government, NGO and individuals together to find high, impact, sustainable solutions to reducing the number of unwelcome and uncared for dogs and cats in India; and creating awareness to increase adoptions of these animals in forever homes.
