Overview of Stray Dog Populations
Stray dogs are dogs that are not owned by anyone, and they roam around the street freely. They are mostly prevalent in urban areas due to several factors such as abandonment, overbreeding, and a lack of animal control measures. These dogs adapt to city lives and scavenge for food and temporary shelters.
The expanse of urban population and the waste generated out of it attract more stray dogs to these densely populated areas. It is highly important to manage the stray dog population through various approaches, such as sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs, responsible pet ownership, and better welfare policies for the animals. To ensure a healthy and safe coexistence between animals and humans, we must thoroughly address all these aspects.
Established in 1994 by visionary individuals, Mrs. Sunanda Das and Mr. Subir Das, the Blue Cross Society of Pune emerged from a heartfelt concern for the well-being of stray animals in Pune. It stopped illegal & inhumane killing of stray dogs in Pune in 1995.
Since inception, over 1,00,000 stray dogs and cats have been sterilised (spayed/neutered), and thousands of stray dogs and cats are treated at very nominal costs. We started the animal birth control (ABC) program for stray dogs in Naidu Pound of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Common Diseases in Stray Dogs
Stray dogs can suffer from various diseases (of which most are easily treatable)due to their harsh living conditions. While, they have diseases just like any pet dogs, unfortunately they do not get treatments on time. Here are a few of the diseases that can affect both dogs and potentially humans.
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and is transmitted to other dogs or humans through bites or deep scratches, and it’s almost fatal once the symptoms appear.
Canine parvovirus: It causes gastrointestinal distress and is highly contagious among dogs, but it has no effect on humans.
Distemper: Impacts the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs, while it is not contagious to humans.
Leptospirosis: It affects the kidney and liver of dogs, and humans can get severe flu-like symptoms if they come in contact with the infected water or urine.
Canine hepatitis: It affects the dog’s liver and can cause fever, but it has no effect on humans.
Mange: It’s caused by mites, and dogs get skin infections. It has no effect on humans; in rare cases, it can lead to minor momentary itching.
Internal parasites: It is caused by worms such as roundworms and hookworms. Dogs can suffer from gastrointestinal issues. These worms can also affect humans and can possibly lead to organ failure.
External parasites: It can cause diseases such as Lyme due to fleas and ticks, and it is transmissible to humans too.
Canine influenza and canine coronavirus: It causes respiratory and gastrointestinal issues in dogs and does not affect humans.
Symptoms and Detection
Some of the common symptoms in dogs to look out for are coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge, which could mean respiratory infections. Vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite could imply gastrointestinal issues. Severe itching and rashes on the body could indicate flea infestations. If the eyes turn yellow and the gums turn blue, it could be indicative of liver issues.
And behavioral changes, aggression, or excessive drooling are critical signs of rabies. Early detection and treatment can prevent the disease from progressing, reduce the spread of contagious diseases, and also help the dog to lead a healthier, pain-free life. For zoonotic diseases, it’s extremely crucial to prevent the spread to protect human health. It’s highly crucial to address health issues in dogs by initiating their regular health checks and vaccinating them against these fatal diseases.
Prevention and Control – Vaccination and Health Programs
Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing diseases in dogs; they safeguard their health and control the spread of the diseases. Core vaccines such as anti-rabies and 9-in-1 vaccines protect dogs from various fatal diseases. These vaccines prevent infection before it can spread. Additionally, wide-spread vaccination programs are necessary as they build herd immunity, reduce infection in the dogs’ population, and prevent outbreaks. Regular vaccinations along with booster shots for dogs prevent transmission of zoonotic diseases.
As a community, it’s vital to be aware and support vaccination programs and educate each other about responsible pet ownership for successful disease prevention efforts.
At BCS, we offer FREE anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) for all stray dogs, cats, and pet dogs and cats. We also provide 9-in1 vaccine for dogs at a nominal charge of Rs 1000. Tricat vaccine for cats is provided Free as of now.
Our mission is to create herd immunity by vaccinating both stray and pet dogs and cats, to significantly decrease the risk of rabies transmission. To support rabies prevention, we regularly conduct anti-rabies vaccination drives focusing on sterilised and friendly stray dogs throughout Pune city.
For ARV vaccination for a stray or your pet dog or cat, please visit us at BCS OPD.
Time: 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.
For ARV drives in your area, please contact us at [email protected].
Educational initiatives by BCS Pune to promote stray animal health –
BCS Pune conducts Free sterilisation drives for stray dogs and also Free Anti Rabies Vaccination drives for stray dogs.
The aim of BCS is to have healthier and rabies free stray dog cats and to control the dog population in a humane way. This not only benefits the dogs and cats but also the community.
These drives are conducted to promote awareness in the community that dog populations can be controlled in a humane way and Rabies is a 100% vaccine preventable disease.
BCS Pune’s Efforts in Animal Welfare
The Blue Cross Society of Pune’s mission is the well-being of stray animals in Pune. Every dog or cat coming into BCS OPD or IPD gets undivided attention and personalised medical care. We have a team of highly experienced in-house veterinarians and visiting veterinarians.
Our services
Free OPD – Free checkup, treatments for stray dogs/cats and Indie mixed breed pet dogs/cats. And reasonable charges for purebred pets (dog/cat)
Free vaccinations – FREE anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) for all stray dogs/cats and Indian mixed breed dogs/cats and pet dogs/cats.
9-in-1 vaccine for dogs and Tri-Cat vaccine for Cats are also provided at minimal rates or free for strays as per availability.
Sterilisation for Stray Dogs – Free sterilisation for stray dogs with post operative care. Sterilisation for Stray Cats – Cat sterilisation cost is Rs.1000 per stray cat (male/female) with 7 days post operative care.
Diagnostics and Hematology – Blood tests ( CBC, LFT, and KFT ) are charged at nominal cost.
X- rays are also charged at low cost.
Adoption – You can adopt friendly dogs and cats who are eagerly waiting for their forever homes.
TIMINGS Mon – Sat: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
CONTACT Email: [email protected]
Success stories and impact of BCS Pune’s work on stray animal health. –
At BCS OPD we provide FREE basic treatment and FREE Anti-rabies vaccinations for stray dogs and cats and Mixed Indian dogs and cats.
Our aim is to provide good treatment at no or low cost for the stray dogs in Pune. We also aim to control the spread of rabies in the community by providing free ARV vaccination. This not only helps volunteers and care givers but also curbs the abandonment of pets due to high medical cost.
Daily we have around 15 to 20 patients who visit BCS FREE OPD for treatment and vaccination.
Our success story, we are seeing increase in the number of patients visiting BCS OPD and also there is an increase in the number of patients who are availing our Free vaccination services for their pets and stray dogs.
Conclusion
There are several ways you can support BCS Pune by volunteering your time or efforts. You can support us by taking dogs for walks, feeding stray dogs, and participating in rescue operations. And you can make a huge impact on these stray dogs by participating in or organising community events for spreading sterilisation and vaccination awareness campaigns, adoption campaigns, and fostering them until they find their permanent homes.
You can also sponsor a dog or cat at BCS Pune. We are currently home to over 50 dogs and cats who have been abandoned and are now in our permanent care. You can make a significant impact by sponsoring a dog or cat at BCS for just Rs. 5,000 per month.
This covers their ongoing care, food, and medical needs. Other than sponsorship, we welcome donations, both monetary and in-kind, to sustain and expand our efforts.
Donate Funds: Your financial support helps us provide medicine, food, and treatment for our in-house and IPD dogs and cats.
Donate In-Kind: We accept donations of dog and cat food (both wet and dry), cat litter, and other essential items like cardboard, newspapers, bedsheets, collars, and leashes.
To support us or to know more about our services please contact us at [email protected]
You can also learn about our latest updates from our social media handles and check us out on our website, bcspune.org.