Appalled by the way people tend to treat stray animals, Preeti Bhatt decided to set up an organisation especially for their protection at Pune.

I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man,” said Mahatma Gandhi. As much as this quote is true, it is also a bitter truth that in a nation where human beings are treated disrespectfully, expecting love and compassion for animals is a tall order. This is where Friends of Stray Animals (FSA) comes in. FSA, located in Pune, was founded in 2008 by Dr Preeti Bhatt, who has been a trustee of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Pune. While with SPCA, Dr Bhatt was appalled at how people treat stray animals; some horrifying cases were reported to the NGO, but lack of manpower, adequate facilities and internal conflicts prevented them from doing much about it. That was when she decided to start her own organisation that would provide the best treatment possible to these animals.

FSA started by providing a home to seven rescued cats; it now has three working branches looking after nearly 250 cats and 50 dogs. Its latest animal shelter was opened at Bhor, on the outskirts of Pune. Mitali Courtinho is another member of the organisation, who operates a separate animal shelter.  One of the greatest challenges for Dr Bhatt was to convince people about her motives and to generate support for the organisation. Although financially independent, she required the support of the veterinary doctors, animal activists, government officials as well as people in her area to set up the organisation. She says, “My family has been my greatest strength. My husband and kids never questioned my beliefs. There were times when everyone was against us, but they always stood by me with as much compassion as I have for my pets.”

Born and raised in Mumbai, Dr Bhatt completed Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from R.A Podar Medical College in Mumbai. She practiced medicine for several years before shifting to Pune, completed her PG in Ayurveda from Pune University. Although a medical doctor by profession, she was always empathic towards animals. She actively participated in animal welfare, and often took them to treatment to the SPCA hospital. Well known for her dedication and goodwill, Dr. Bhatt became the trustee of SPCA Pune from 2005 to 2007.

She has witnessed a number of cases of cruelty to animals in the past 11 years; this has made her resolve to protect them even stronger. Initially, she faced much harassment from her neighbours who lodged several complaints against her. One of them even threw boiling water on one of the cats that was sleeping in his parking lot. “People will always harm the weak because they cannot fight back. It is a harsh reality that some people that can go to any limit to harm animals. We want to try and eradicate such behaviour,” she says. She has now given up her medical practice and manages the NGO full time.

The animals are looked after well and given timely medical help. FSA holds regular animal adoption as well as vaccination camps. FSA takes the initiative to sterilise stray animals in other localities. Apart from FSA’s employees, there are volunteers who work from their own localities. The local veterinarians also show their support to the organisation by charging less than the regular price for vaccinations and treatment. The support is growing now, with more people willing to come forward and show kindness to animals. Regarding donations for the trust, Dr Bhatt says, “We need volunteers who are willing to adopt pets or help in their own way. Also, since there are a large number of animals, we constantly require newspapers and old clothes, so anyone willing to donate that is always welcome.” Donation cheques can be sent to the address alongside. Donations are exempt under Section 80G of Income Tax Act.

Friends of Stray Animals
2, Indumati Apartments, Lane-7,
Plot-17, Dahanukar Colony,
Kothrud, Pune 411029
www.friendsofstray.in
Email: [email protected]