As the clock struck three, the excitement at Blue Cross of India’s Velachery shelter was palpable. Nearly a hundred rescued Indian puppies, scrubbed clean, satin ribbon around their necks, waited for a chance to be adopted. Nearby, two sections for kittens and abandoned pedigree dogs were also being prepped.
A little later in the evening, the rescued animals shared the spotlight with celebrities Amala Akkineni, Trisha Krishnan and Anuja Iyer, who support the cause of homeless pet adoption. Amala inaugurated the city’s first Humane Education Centre and spoke about the importance of adopting local breeds. “Indian breeds are really hardy; except for their annual vaccinations and their spay neuter surgeries, my Indian dogs have never needed to go to a vet”, she said.
Actor Trisha Krishnan spoke up against the breeding industry. “Give a home to a puppy that needs one. Don’t support the breeding industry, when there are so many homeless pups on the street”. The actor added that her own dog Cadbury was rescued from the street. “Having an Indian dog is such a boon. They make great guard dogs, and are extremely loyal. I’m speaking from experience”
The dog trade: Bad business
Actor Anuja Iyer appealed to attendees not to encourage the dog trade. “You wouldn’t buy a baby”, she said. Meanwhile, Blue Cross volunteer Rohit Iyer held up a blind pug to demonstrate the dangers of unregulated breeding. “This pug was born blind due to careless breeding”, he said. He pointed to three German Shepherd puppies that had been dropped off on the hot tar road just minutes before the event and mentioned that they too were victims of the pedigree trade.
“All three puppies have hip dysplasia”, he explained, as the puppies limped towards a water bowl. “Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers and German Shepherds are all prone to hip dysplasia and the disabled offspring of these dogs are killed or abandoned. Adopt a homeless puppy instead of encouraging a pet trader – this is the only way to make a difference”.
At the close of the event, 50 Indian puppies, ten kittens and two abandoned pedigree dogs found adoptive homes. The ones that weren’t adopted made themselves comfortable at the renovated shelter. They will now wait for another chance at finding a place to call home.
To adopt a rescued pup or kitten, call 9952075570 or 9176927917 or email bluecrossofindia@gmail.com
