As lakes and ponds are going dry and there is no let-up in the heat wave, animal rights activist M. Sai Vignesh is sparing a thought for animals. He is distributing cemented troughs and requesting people to fill them with water and place them in streets for the benefit of stray animals. The troughs come absolutely free-of-cost. So far, he has distributed these troughs to residents of neighbourhoods in Mylapore, Santhome, Alwarpet, Anna Nagar and Valsaravakkam.
The 18-year-old law aspirant started this initiative last summer and this year, it has received a fresh impetus with these troughs having been placed in a few police stations. P. Aravindhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Flower Bazaar District, is said to be supporting the initiative.
“I had read many articles about Aravindhan sir in magazines and dailies and I came to understand that he attaches much importance to environment conservation and is also friendly with the public. Therefore, I thought I should approach him and seek his support. I met him at his office two weeks ago, explained the cause and requested him to ensure that troughs are kept in front of police stations. To my pleasant surprise, without any second thought, he agreed to extend his cooperation. He said that dogs and cats strayed into police stations and the troughs would be useful to provide them with water. Besides, he made arrangements that the police stations under his jurisdiction (Flower Bazaar Distrct) kept water troughs,” says Sai Vignesh.
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The troughs are being kept at the following police stations: B1 North Beach, B2 Esplanade, B3 Fort, B4 High Court, B5 Harbour, B6 Port Marine, C1 Flower Bazaar, C2 Elephantgate, C3 Seven Wells, C4 Government Hospital, C5 Kothavalchavadi, and N 3 Muthialpet.
“I have also made a written request to the Commissioner of Police seeking his support to keep water troughs in all police stations in Chennai. I am waiting for his response,” says Sai Vignesh. His love for stray animals began when he was just seven years old. He has rescued animals from slaughter houses and during the 2015 floods. Whenever he comes across an injured animal or bird, he ensures they receive the necessary medical attention. He has got many stray dogs vaccinated against rabies. He turned a vegan in 2016. Sai Vignesh also conducts campaigns to address the issue of cruelty against animals. Sai Vignesh who completed his schooling this March aspires to pursue higher education in law as he sees it as an “effective weapon” to protect animals. His dream is to build a shelter home-cum-dispensary for stray animals.
“As we have many rescued animals at home, and owners of the rented houses we have stayed have raised an objection to this, we have shifted around eight houses in the last two years. That is one big challenge preventing me from helping more animals. Therefore, I have decided to build a shelter,” says Sai Vignesh.
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Those who want to get troughs from Sai Vignesh can call him at 89393 20846. His email address is mahadevan.vignesh@gmail.com