Coimbatore is getting its first ‘Anibulance’, an air-conditioned ambulance dedicated to treat animals in distress. Funded by Dogs Trust, based at the United Kingdom, the ambulance and equipment worth Rs. 8 lakh is getting ready at a body building workshop at Peelamedu.
Managing Trustee of Humane Animal Society (HAS) Mini Vasudevan told The Hindu that for almost five years they were trying to get an ambulance for animals in distress – especially for the street and community animals. “It is primarily for community animals as pets have someone to attend to them,” she said.
People feed community animals (mostly dogs, birds or cats) but when it is in distress residents are either not bothered or don’t know whom to call to help the animal. She said that some were afraid to help animals as they fear that it could harm them. She clarified that it is not just an accident helpline as it will also attend to those suffering from skin allergies and other ailments.
Anibulance has a stretcher to carry injured animals from the site of injury to a safer place, step attachments for getting the animal into and out of the ambulance, stands for administering IV fluids, a small procedure table for the animals and a chair for veterinarians, washbasin and medicine cabinet.
Focus will be in stabilising the animal and giving life support till taking to a safer environment. While smaller animals will be taken into the ambulance and taken to a veterinary hospital, larger animals will be treated on the spot. It will also be used to create awareness on the art of handling community animals. Though it is a non-profit initiative, HAS will accept contributions (without demanding money) for community animals. However for pets, there is a nominal charge. Anibulance will be launched at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
For treating a community animal or your pet, call HAS at 93661-27215 or 97915-32266. This service could be availed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., throughout the week.
