Established in 1994 by visionary individuals, Mrs. Sunanda Das and Mr. Subir Das, the Blue Cross Society of Pune (BCS) 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). Our team is driven by a genuine love for stray animals and abandoned pet animals, reflected in every aspect of our work.
Stray dogs play a vital role in our eco-system; their presence keeps the rodents in check and reduces the spread of diseases from rodents. By scavenging, they help in waste management, which results in less organic waste. Additionally, they help as bioindicators to reflect the health of the environment. Recognizing their contributions and ensuring that they are sterilised and vaccinated promotes coexistence and mutual benefits for both humans and the stray.
Natural Pest Control
Stray dogs help in rodent populations by preying on them, which keeps their population in check. It also reduces the need to spray chemical pesticides to kill these rodents, thereby promoting a healthier environment. Stray dogs also help in managing the population of small insects and other pests; this limits the spread of diseases and protects the crops from being damaged. Stray dogs role in balancing this process highlights their importance and the need to ensure that their population is effectively managed as we also acknowledge their ecological contributions.
Ecological Balancers
By preying on small insects and rodents, stray dogs play an important role in indirectly supporting the survival of various plants and animal species that otherwise can be impacted by these pests. Additionally, stray dogs scavenging role helps in the process of decomposition of organic waste. They consume these wastes, including animal carcasses, and aid in decomposition and nutrients cycling in the environment.
Human Benefits
In addition to their ecological role of reducing rodents and other pests, which help in reducing the spread of several diseases such as leptospirosis and hantavirus, stray dogs also offer social and emotional benefits to the communities. They can be informal companions to people, especially the lonely or those who live in isolation. Their presence also brings people together who shower them with care and affection. This enhances empathy and kindness in the community.
Challenges and Solutions
Overpopulation of stray dogs can pose several challenges to both animal and public health. An increase in their population means increased competition for food, the spread of diseases, and a high risk of accidents for both the animals and humans. An increase in their population also causes strain to local animal shelters and care.
To address this issue, a multi-faceted approach is required, right from the wide spread of effective sterilisation programs, vaccination drives, and regular health checkups of the stray dogs to ensure they are disease-free. Allocating feeding stations for dogs and feeding them regularly would reduce aggression in dogs stemming from food scarcity. Promoting responsible pet ownership and encouraging adoption of stray dogs can help to reduce their population on the streets.
At Blue Cross Society we offer free sterilisation for stray dogs. Sterilisation for stray cats is charged at a nominal rate of Rs 1000 per cat. This also includes free post-operative care and vaccinations. To book a sterilisation slot just email us at [email protected]. We also provide free anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) to all stray dogs, cats, and all pet dogs and cats. Including 9-in-1 vaccine for stray dogs at minimal cost of Rs 1000 and Tri-Cat vaccine for stray cats and Indie Mixed breed pet cats is provided at nominal cost or free as per availability.
Conclusion
Stray dogs play an important role in our eco-system, right from being an ecological balancer to a healthy companion in our society. It’s necessary to safeguard their health by ensuring they are sterilised and vaccinated against various diseases that are perilous for them and for the human population. At Blue Cross Society, we are dedicated to improving the lives of stray dogs and cats by providing compassionate and comprehensive care. Our aim is that every dog or cat coming into BCS OPD or IPD should get undivided attention and personalized medical care.
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 Blue Cross Society Pune. 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, please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
You can also learn about our latest updates from our social media handles and check us out on our website, bcspune.org