Jan. 31: People for Animals (PFA) has come forward to construct a shelter for stray cattle on the city streets.
The NGO has proposed to set up the animal shelter on a four-bigha plot of land along VIP Road in the city’s Hengerabari area. The project, which is estimated to cost around Rs 50 lakh, will have also have a cowshed to house old and ailing stray cattle.
Sangeeta Goswami, chairperson of PFA, Assam, who is also a member of the Animal Welfare Board, said the NGO had already moved the Union ministry of environment and forests to mobilise funds for the project. “The ministry has shown interest in funding the project and a team from the ministry will soon come to the city for site inspection,” she said.
Goswami said the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) had to keep the stray cattle lifted off the city roads in private cow pounds.
A couple of months ago, animal rights activists led by Goswami swooped down on a cattle pound and “rescued” 11 animals, which they claimed, were being treated cruelly. The pound, at Tetelia near Jakulbari, was hired by the GMC to house cattle seized during an ongoing drive to clear the city roads of stray animals.
PFA Assam already runs a shelter for stray dogs, in addition to an animal hospice. “We will also provide medical aid to invalid and sick cattle at the proposed shelter home as it will be set up adjoining the hospital,” Goswami said.
She said cattle owners often disown old or disabled animals and leave them to die a painful death on the streets.
Moreover, the cattle become a menace on the streets, obstructing the free movement of vehicles. Sometimes they are even knocked down by speeding cars.
“We intend to house such unwanted animals in our shelter home,” Goswami said.
The NGO also plans to construct an aviary.
Since its inception, PFA Assam has been organising various welfare activities such as free vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs.
awareness camps for animal rights and rescue and treatment of animals. The NGO has two ambulances to pick up and transport sick animals.
