Hyderabad rains: 48 pups, dozens of abandoned kittens rescued

Hyderabad: It has been raining nonstop for the past few days, and rescuers are on high alert since kitten and puppy abandonment is on the rise during this season.

In June and July, Blue Cross and other animal rescuers rescued almost 100 puppies and kittens, including some that needed to be bottle-fed.

"This month, we have already rescued about 48 pups from various parts of Hyderabad, but we are noticing a slight decrease in the number of abandoned animals compared to last year. However, the monsoon season is not yet done,” said Suma Prasad, an animal activist.

"The majority of the abandoned animals are discovered in market areas. Those found in marketplaces are usually approximately a month old, while those found in remote regions are left to die. They are frequently wrapped in gunny bags or baskets."

Some rescues are excruciatingly unpleasant. In Old City, for example, a woman rescued six kittens bundled in a plastic bag.

"None of the kittens had opened their eyes yet and required bottle feeding. The mother might have been in a difficult circumstance. One of the kittens was even missing a leg. We were unable to save any of them,'' Suma said.

The decrease in the number of young animals abandoned could be attributed to the community cat surgeries that shelters are implementing. “Approximately 500 cat and stray dog procedures were conducted last year. All animals are available for adoption have been sterilized. We are teaching individuals about the need to have their pets sterilized. The outreach programs are proving to be beneficial," Suma said.

However, abandoning is more common than adoption.

“When compared to the rural public, fewer people come forward to adopt animals in the city. Another major concern is that during the monsoon, the animals are prone to bad health, and are frequently picked up from the streets in poor health, with a few of them infested with maggots," she said.

She urged GHMC to make pet sterilization mandatory, which will reduce animal abandonment and the population of stray animals.

During the Hyderabad floods, Animal Warriors Conservation Society (AWCS), which is recognized for its work in animal rescue, saved 28 animals, including various dogs, cats, and other creatures.

According to Pradeep Nair, founder of AWCS, they got 40 calls from the capital city, Sangareddy, Medchal-Malkajigiri, and Rangareddy districts, which saw severe rains in the previous week.

Separate teams led by Pradeep Nair braved the floods and storms to rescue the animals around Hyderabad.

According to Pradeep Nair, the Society conducted rescue and relief efforts at Miyapur, Bowenpally, and along the Musi River with the help of groups such as Hyderabad Animal Rescuers and Aasara.