A Great Step Forward by TN Govt to Protect Strays - Vallalar Biodiverse Shelter (வள்ளலார் பல்லுயிர் காப்பகம்)

Ever since Chezhi came into our lives, my perception of dogs evolved...my fear for them was replaced by confidence and my ignorance by understanding. Years of fear was gone like a magic. Now, I approach and feed streeties with confidence. Now, I understand their body language pretty well; I read a lot from their faces, in fact, sometimes I believe I tend to read more than what their faces say... lol. 

I enjoy watching them in action; I love the sight of them asleep in the oddest of places; sometimes their expressions get so funny that you would instantly want to capture it on cam. 

Do you have any idea where I buried my snacks?

These streeties are now used to seeing us. They get close, move away, play with each other, try to ignore Chezhi or involve her; whatever they do, it is fun to watch. 

All from a litter aren't alike. Some run towards us while some give a wary look; some just run away while some sit and give a look that would melt our hearts.

Of course, in rare cases, one may follow us all the way home.

Every society has people who go the extra mile to reach out to the underprivileged...individual volunteers, groups and organizations who become the voice for the voiceless. However, all these efforts need support from the government, in every form possible. And that was precisely what the government of Tamilnadu has offered this January to NGOs who take care of strays, injured and abandoned animals.

With the announcement of Vallalar Biodiverse Shelter (வள்ளலார் பல்லுயிர் காப்பகம்) scheme, Tamilnadu government has strengthened the hands of NGOs by offering financial support so the health and safety of abandoned animals and streeties are taken care of. 

First instalment of the 20-crore project has been released to five NGOs. 

The scheme covers the following:

• Funds for food, medical treatment and shelter for streeties
• Funds to NGOs to purchase ambulance to provide emergency services for animals on streets
• Working towards a rabies-free society,  the scheme plans to provide funds for giving anti rabies vaccinations to streeties

A great beginning; we hope it lives up to its promise.