Inside the journeys of rescuers and the rescued, lives are transformed from neglect to nurture, discovers Esha Chaudhuri
The last few weeks have found animal/dog lovers in long deliberations in light of the Supreme Court verdict, as well as observing International Dog’s Day. With sufficient context, Sunday Shillong pursued the situation in Shillong through Joyce Basan’s organisation, Save The Voiceless Society that has been relentlessly working for the cause of the strays in Shillong.
With a team of 7, out of which 4 are actively involved in the field, the nature of work is essentially animal rescue and welfare. “We respond to cases of injured, abandoned, or lost animals, provide them with medical care, food, and shelter, and also try to find them safe homes through adoption. Apart from rescue, we raise awareness about vaccination, sterilisation, and responsible pet ownership” introduces Basan.
With over 8 years of toiling in this domain, Basan and her team members have encountered several challenges and setbacks being a rescuer in Shillong. As she describes them, “the lack of proper veterinary facilities and equipment, limited financial resources, and no support from the authorities.”
She also highlights pet abandonment, another frequent as well as worrying occurrence. “Another major challenge is that many people abandon their pets when they are sick, which leaves us with the burden of rescuing and treating them without much financial help. This problem continues because of the absence of strict laws and enforcement from the officials’ side” she adds.
Referencing examples of two rescues among many, Basan goes on to showcase the plight of strays in the city and the scope and extent of which concrete efforts are required to better the situation.
Case I
Some passersby informed us about a female dog in Lumshyiap. She appeared to be someone’s pet, but due to a severe skin condition, she had been abandoned by her owner. We took her into our care, we fostered her, bathed her and provided the treatment she needed. The informer also played a crucial role in helping with her treatment expenses, which took nearly 4–5 months for full recovery. We named her Princess, and she continues to live with us in our care to this day.
Case II
Another dog that we rescued from the streets of Laitumkhrah. Many people witnessed his condition and informed us, so we took him in and provided shelter. We immediately brought him to the Government Veterinary Hospital, where he was found in a critical condition.
We spent around ₹8,000 on his surgery and post-operative care. The veterinarian had to remove all his reproductive organs to prevent further infection, as his reproductive system was severely affected. He was diagnosed with CTVT (Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor), a sexually transmitted disease passed from an infected dog during mating. To prevent such diseases, it’s important to spay female dogs and neuter male dogs. Bravo, as we named him, survived the surgery and is now living permanently with us under our care.
Based on the work that Save The Voiceless Society has been engaged in, the recent Supreme Court judgement spread feelings of anguish, outrage and concern among them too, as it did for most animal and dog lovers.
“As someone who works closely with animals every day, I felt deeply concerned about this order. While I understand the issues that arise when stray dogs are not managed properly, simply capturing them is not a real solution. These dogs are living beings, not problems to be removed. What we truly need is stronger implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs, proper vaccination drives, awareness among people, and responsible pet ownership. Capturing without a long-term plan and arrangement will only cause suffering to the dogs and will not solve the root causes. In fact, it may create more problems by separating community dogs who act as protectors of their areas. Instead of punishment and fear, we need compassion, responsibility, and strict enforcement of laws against abandonment and cruelty” she exclaims.
However, with the revision of the order, there came a sense of relief but also left those working in the field dismayed as viral videos across social media showcased the true plight of dog shelters as well as apathy and violence towards feeders.
“Even though the Supreme Court order was revised, justice was not served as the many feeders were assaulted and we condemn it as feeding of strays/community dogs was never banned. This feels unfair to animal lovers and activists like us, as many of us are already spending from our own pockets to help street animals. Instead of supporting our efforts, such penalties now add another burden on people who are only trying to do good. Feeders have not committed any crime—they are simply feeding hungry animals. In Shillong too, we have heard of some localities opposing community dog feeding” she says.
It is important to note that the revised judgement directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to create designated feeding spots. Only feeding outside those designated areas may attract penalties.
Acknowledging the pitiable plight of stray dogs and animals in general, Basan was asked what sort of assistance she can gain from the municipality and veterinary department. To which she answers,
“The Municipality can definitely assist animal rescue, provision of shelters and adoption centres, offering financial aid or even supplies for organisations, enforcing laws and helping with awareness campaigns.”
As far as the veterinary department is concerned, she says, “As rescuers, we are currently facing significant challenges when we bring cases to the Government Veterinary Hospital. We often have to purchase even basic items like syringes, and essential facilities such as X-ray machines are unavailable. This forces us to approach private clinics, incurring expensive costs just for diagnostics. So offering a complete free or subsidised treatment, vaccinations, surgeries, and health check-ups. Conducting sterilisation/vaccination drives to control the stray population. Also, it would be highly beneficial if the Veterinary Department could consider establishing a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital to better serve both animals and the community. Most importantly, record keeping by launching ear tags/QR based Collars for the vaccinated, or sterilised dogs in order to record the vaccination history and sterilisation status.”
However, none of this work can be made possible without the people and citizens of the city. From the people in general, Basan hopes for them to show compassion towards animals, take responsibility for their pets and not abandon them when they are old and sick, support rescue efforts through volunteering or donations, report cruelty, and help create awareness. She further adds, “It’s also important that they (citizens) advocate for stronger animal protection laws and encourage a culture of empathy and care in the community.”
Basan’s major takeaways from the field, as she describes it, “Rescuing animals is not only about saving them in the moment, but also about creating awareness and compassion among people. Most importantly, I’ve learned that animals are incredibly strong and forgiving. Even those who have suffered still trust and love, and that inspires me to keep going despite the challenges.”
Despite having full-time jobs, Basan and her teammates, out of love and compassion for these voiceless beings, dedicate their free time to ensure that these animals receive the care and treatment they deserve. As conscientious citizens, Basan and her colleagues truly embody the true spirit of humanity.