Gushing over that adorable kitten you chanced upon on your friend's profile? Or rather, can’t wait to bring home an adorable mutt? If yes, ‘Tis the time to show your love and yet, make a difference — In a bid to combat viscous animal breeding patterns and give abandoned strays a new lease of life, a large number of Bengalureans are giving adoptions a nod over a walk into a pet store. We take a deeper look into the concept as city folk tell us more...
“I’ve always been involved in rescuing injured and abandoned animals. I took home an Indian Spitz a couple of months ago, after getting a call from an acquaintance. The domesticated dog was tied to a tree in Vasanthnagar for an astonishing three days by its owners who had shifted. I was so appalled by the whole incident that I couldn’t but offer a helping hand,” reveals Arshleen Kaur, a second year psychology student from Mount Carmel College.
While it was the compassionate streak which egged her, Arshleen believes the idea is also about restoring faith in humanity. “While it definitely feels good, the whole point is to give dogs another opportunity to trust us again. And, most importantly, the love you get from a stray is no different from a popular breed. So, why not?” Echoing similar lines, Shalini Madan, a first year student from RV College of Engineering adopted a Labrador, just to do her bit to control the savage animal birth control concept.
“Apart from the genuine desire to protect as many harmless animals from being abused by sadists on the roads just for cheap thrills, I believe taking home a stray kitten or pup significantly contributes in helping control breeding. Breeders are inhumane, and with the increase in the number of people wanting pets; the concept has taken a gruesome turn. So, when you adopt a rescue pet, you are in turn stopping one of the most cruel acts against animals- breeding,” adds Shalini.
Stressing upon how important it is to get your homework done, Ayushi Saha, a rescue pet owner says, “Just because a few good Samaritans are doing their bit for the welfare of animals, one mustn’t take this as a fad to try out.
Most rescue pets are accompanied by diseases and a host of issues. You will have to invest time and probably some moolah in getting frequent health check-ups. They also have behavioural problems. So, get ready to pull up your socks and take on a full-time duty of being a pet parent — with a heart of course.
