Recovery and care for animals, including on-going rehabilitation for 52 Bulls and Rocky’s Rescue
Thank you for your incredible support, which continues to aid animals. Your generosity empowers our work and strengthens our partnerships, including with the wonderful and compassionate team at VSPCA.
We’re grateful to share their latest update with you - showcasing the care and life-saving impact your donations have made, from rescuing 52 bulls from neglect to rescuing Rocky from a ritualistic sacrifice.
Shelter Success and Animal Progress
The third quarter of 2024 has been a period of growth and progress for the animals at VSPCA shelters. We have been able to continue providing excellent care, thanks to ongoing donations. This quarter, we are proud to report significant improvements in the well-being of all the animals, including 52 rescued bulls, who are receiving specialized feeding thanks to generous donations.
Shelter 1 - Marikavalasa: The group of eight buffaloes and one horse continue to thrive in the peaceful surroundings of Shelter 1. Their recovery is remarkable, and with daily care and attention, their physical and emotional health has greatly improved.
Kindness Farm - Koravada: At Kindness Farm, 24 buffaloes and three horses are flourishing in the lush green pastures. Additionally, the 52 rescued bulls, who were saved earlier, are doing well. The bulls have received specific feeding support this quarter, and they are showing notable improvement in both health and behavior.
Impact of Donated Feeding for the Bulls
A significant part of our work this quarter has been ensuring that the 52 rescued bulls continue to receive proper nourishment. Thanks to generous donations, we were able to supplement their diet with additional nutritious food to support their ongoing recovery.
Feeding the Bulls: The bulls, who had been rescued from harsh conditions, were provided with special feed to restore their strength. The extra donations have helped us supply them with balanced nutrition, ensuring they stay healthy and gain weight.
Daily Feeding Routine
Proper nutrition remains at the heart of VSPCA’s care for all the animals. Each day, the animals are provided with a varied and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs.
Buffaloes Feeding:
o Dry hay
o Green grass (morning and evening)
o Special concentrated cattle feed
o Vegetables and fruits
Horse Feeding:
o Dry hay, green grass (morning and evening)
o Special horse feed
o Horse gram
o Wheat powder, vegetables, and fruits
Bull Feeding:
o Dry hay
o Green grass (morning and evening)
o Special bull feed (additional donations for enhanced diet)
o Vegetables and fruits
Additionally, all animals, including the bulls, are given mineral mixtures to ensure they receive all necessary vitamins and nutrients.
Regular Health Check-ups
VSPCA shelters conducted routine health check-ups for all the animals in our care. A certified veterinarian visited monthly to ensure the animals’ health and well-being.
Veterinary Care for the Bulls: The 52 bulls, in particular, received extra attention during these check-ups, given their past trauma. Regular vaccinations and health monitoring were crucial to their recovery, ensuring they remain in good health.
Ongoing Health Management: Each animal, from the buffaloes to the horses and bulls, continues to receive high-quality veterinary care. This includes vaccinations, parasite control, and treatment for any medical conditions that may arise.
Community Education and Awareness Programs
Beyond direct care, VSPCA continues its commitment to animal welfare through education and awareness programs.
Raising Awareness about Working Animals: In the third quarter, VSPCA held several outreach programs focused on the humane treatment of working animals, including bulls. Through these programs, we are educating the public about the importance of proper care, humane treatment, and the responsibilities humans have towards working animals.
On-site Education Initiatives: VSPCA team members also conducted educational sessions at the shelters, teaching visitors about the rescue and rehabilitation process. Stories of the bulls’ recovery, along with the progress of other animals, were shared to inspire compassion.
Recent Rescues and New Arrivals
In addition to the animals already in our care, we are proud to report several new rescues shows in this quarter. These animals were saved from difficult circumstances and are now receiving the love and care they deserve at VSPCA. These new arrivals, like all of our animals, are receiving daily care, feeding, and medical attention, and are adjusting well to their new, safer lives.
They join the existing animals at our shelters and contribute to the growing community of rescued and rehabilitated animals. They are:
Rescue of Abandoned Male Calves
In the third quarter, VSPCA continued its vital work rescuing male calves abandoned on the roads, a frequent and heartbreaking issue. Once these calves are no longer of use to their owners for milk production, they are often left to roam freely on the streets. Deemed unproductive, they are either abandoned to survive on whatever food they can find or fall victim to illegal slaughterhouses, where they face an uncertain fate.
The Tragic Cycle of Neglect: Male calves are often left behind by their owners once they no longer serve a purpose, roaming the streets like stray animals. They struggle to survive by scavenging for food, enduring harsh conditions. If not rescued, these calves either face exploitation in illegal slaughterhouses or are sold at local markets at around nine months old, destined for slaughter.
VSPCA's Intervention: VSPCA steps in before these animals face this tragic fate. Our team rescues these abandoned calves, rehabilitating them at our shelter with food, medical care, and safety. We also seek to place them in responsible, loving homes through our adoption program, ensuring they receive the care they deserve for the rest of their lives. Additionally, we continue to monitor these adoptions to guarantee the well-being of the animals.
Foot and Mouth Disease Treatment in Rescued Calf
One of the male calves we rescued this quarter was diagnosed with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral infection that typically leads to euthanasia. However, thanks to the specialized treatment methods developed by VSPCA, we were able to successfully treat the calf and help it recover.
Innovative Treatment and Recovery: While most facilities would resort to euthanasia in cases of FMD, VSPCA has successfully treated these cases with a comprehensive and compassionate care approach. With proper medical attention and a customized recovery plan, the calf is now healing well and will make a full recovery.
Raising Awareness for Male Calves
The abandonment of male calves is a pervasive issue, largely due to the belief that these animals are of no value once their milk-producing days are over. VSPCA is working to change this mindset and raise awareness about the importance of treating all animals with respect and compassion.
We encourage the public to recognize that every animal, regardless of gender, deserves a life free from cruelty and exploitation. By continuing our rescue efforts and educating the community, we strive to reduce the number of abandoned calves and provide them with a chance at a better life.
Rescued from the Jaws of Death: Separation is a Cruel Act
This young calf was rescued at the last possible moment from the slaughterhouse, just as the gates were about to close. Tragically, he had already been cruelly separated from his mother, as he was being transported to the slaughterhouse.
The slaughterhouse where he was headed is a modern, export-oriented facility that deals exclusively with buffaloes.
Now safe, this tiny calf is receiving special care and a nutritious diet at our shelter, where we are working hard to help him recover from the trauma he endured.
The Rescue of Calves Continues!
Male calves are often abandoned on the streets, left to fend for themselves. They survive by feeding on scraps from the road, growing until they are about 6 months old or more, at which point they are sold at local markets, or "shandies." One such calf, a brown male, was marked with blue ink—signifying that he had been earmarked for slaughter. Middlemen purchased him from the shandy with plans to sell him for slaughter in the coming days.
Similarly, two other calves were abandoned at The Simhachalam Temple, where no one offered them protection, leaving them vulnerable to the exploitation of middlemen.
Fortunately, we were able to intervene and rescue these calves, bringing them into our care and ensuring they are safe from harm.
Severely Injured Cow Rescued with Help from Locals
A severely injured cow was rescued with the assistance of local residents, who helped lift and transport her to our shelter for urgent treatment and care. Many of these cows are owned by individuals who allow them to graze freely for most of the day, putting them at risk of accidents and injuries.
Thankfully, this cow survived the traumatic incident, and we are hopeful she will make a full recovery with the proper care and attention. She now receives the treatment and support she desperately needs to heal.
Rocky’s Rescue: Saved from a Ritualistic Sacrifice
Rocky was brought to a hamlet for a ritualistic sacrificial festival, celebrated every three years, where he was starved, emaciated, and cruelly separated from his mother. He had given up entirely on life. Upon hearing from one of our volunteers about the upcoming festival, where Rocky was to be sacrificed, our team quickly mobilized and monitored the event throughout the night.
Initially, there was no support from the police, as the festival was considered a sensitive issue and the community staunchly upheld the practice. However, we persisted and were able to convince the authorities to step in, explaining the illegality and immorality of animal sacrifice. With the help of the police, we also educated the temple priests, urging them to stop this unlawful practice.
During the night, Rocky was paraded through the procession, his neck just inches away from the butcher's knife. We were asked to allow the procession to continue in order to prevent a riot and maintain order. Once the crowd dispersed around midnight, the police took the opportunity to speak with the priests and explain the legal ramifications of animal sacrifices. At that moment, we rescued Rocky from a dire and dangerous situation.
We immediately transported him to our Kindness Shelter, where he received urgent care and monitoring. The priests were counseled, and we ensured that no sacrifices would take place at the temple in the future.
Now, eight months later, Rocky has fully recovered and is living a happy, peaceful life among his bovine companions at Kindness Shelter, a forever home for over 200 rescued cattle.
Accidental Injury Rescue: A Call for Help After Three Days
She had been lying in this condition for three days after a tragic accident, until we received a call for help. It's disheartening to think that despite the hundreds of passersby, it took three days for someone to contact us. Once we were informed, our team immediately rescued her and brought her to our shelter, where she is now receiving treatment and care.
Conclusion: Continued Progress and Gratitude
The third quarter of 2024 has been a time of great success and growth for the animals at VSPCA. Despite the challenges, particularly the floods, the VSPCA team remained resilient, and the animals continue to thrive thanks to the support of our generous donors.
Bulls’ Ongoing Recovery: The 52 rescued bulls are now living in peace, thanks to the feeding donations received this quarter. Their physical recovery is a testament to the hard work of our team and the generosity of our supporters.
New Rescues and Hope: The addition to our shelter family has brought new hope to these animals. They are now living safely in the care of VSPCA, where they will continue to heal and find comfort.
A Future Built on Compassion: VSPCA is dedicated to continuing its work to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect animals. With every donation and every act of kindness, we are creating a brighter future for the animals in our care.
We extend our deepest thanks to all of our supporters for making it possible for us to continue this important work. Your generosity directly impacts the lives of the animals at VSPCA, and we are grateful for your continued commitment to animal welfare.
At Animal Aid Abroad, we would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our incredible supporters, for your kindness. Together, we have not only helped VSPCA rescue and care for so many animals but have also supported their dedicated team, who work to protect and nurture vulnerable beings.
We are truly inspired by VSPCA's compassion and their unrelenting efforts to save animals and provide them with safety and care. Thank you for standing with us and VSPCA in this journey of compassion and hope for animals everywhere.