by Iqra Qayoom
SRINAGAR: During the global COVID-19 pandemic, a positive trend emerged as individuals, grappling with lockdowns and isolation, sought solace in the companionship of animals. Worldwide, there was a noticeable surge in pet adoptions and purchases, with people finding solace and happiness in the unwavering affection of their furry companions. This trend was evident in Kashmir as well.
However, as the lockdowns concluded, a concerning pattern unfolded: many individuals who had initially adopted pets decided to relinquish them, leaving these animals abandoned on the streets. While some managed to survive, a significant number succumbed to harsh conditions or developed health issues.
In response to this challenging scenario, a group of determined and compassionate women in Kashmir stepped forward. Breaking the stereotype that women cannot be rescuers, these individuals are rewriting the narrative of compassion, kindness, and care for voiceless creatures. Their efforts go beyond conventional boundaries as they have taken on the responsibility of rescuing, nurturing, and finding loving homes for animals in distress.
Their mission is comprehensive and driven by an unwavering commitment. They rescue animals from adverse situations, ensuring their well-being by providing nourishment and creating a haven where both physical and emotional wounds can heal. These dedicated women stand at the forefront, embodying the principles of companionship and empathy in their tireless efforts to make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals.
“For me, it’s not just about saving animals, it’s about creating a community that values their lives,” Anise Shreen, a professional engineer and advocate for animal welfare, said. Specialising in the legal aspects of this work, she is committed to establishing an environment free from abuse and cruelty towards animals.
Shreen has rescued various animals, including strays, horses, leopards, bears, and numerous birds, even an eagle. She takes legal action against those who engage in animal abuse, filing FIRs to emphasise the gravity of the offence. “We want to send a message that animal cruelty is a serious offence. By pursuing legal action, we aim to create a lesson and ensure that those responsible face consequences.”
Operating under the Instagram handle Ehsaas Kashmir, Shreen and her team share cases of abuse to raise awareness, fostering a collective understanding of the importance of protecting voiceless creatures. Beyond legal efforts, Shreen is dedicated to feeding animals. “I feed more than a hundred animals a day,” she said. This practice extends to various weather conditions and locations, ensuring street animals never go hungry. Shreen emphasises that feeding is not just about providing a meal but building connections and letting animals know they are cared for.
Another duo, focused on rescuing strays and finding caring homes, highlights issues related to purchasing non-local or foreign breeds for breeding purposes. They draw attention to the physical and psychological trauma experienced by animals when abandoned, including separation anxiety disorder. Advocating for responsible pet ownership, they work to find loving homes for rescued animals, providing necessary medical treatment.
The duo, operating under the Instagram handle Animal Aid Kashmir, not only facilitates adoptions but also raises funds to support pet parents unable to afford their sick pets’ treatment. They stress the importance of thorough screening for potential adopters to ensure a suitable match, aiming for a lasting and caring home. The Instagram platform serves as a tool for awareness, promoting a more liveable society that understands how to coexist with stray animals.
Sabreen, hailing from Bemina, expresses her affinity for adopting disabled cats, stating, “They are not just my pets but I treat them as my kids. Rarely do people like disabled pets I try to do my best so these can live their best life; it gives me immense peace when they are around.”
“My mental health has improved after I adopted these furry friends of mine. They listen without any judgment, a source of joy that breaks through the darkest clouds,” Sabreen said. “In their wagging tails and warm gaze, I found a remedy for loneliness, a cure for anxiety, and a loyal group of pets in the journey towards better mental health.”
These advocates emphasise the role of kindness towards animals in various religions. They call for collective action. “The bare minimum a human can do is if one person feeds one stray, it will create a huge impact,” one of these passionate activists said. “We need more volunteers for this good deed, and everyone to adopt as many strays as they are more active and playful compared to outside breeds. People spend thousands of rupees on foreign breeds while our local animals go hungry. They are low maintenance, and above all, it is about loving an animal regardless of its breed.”
With respect,your doing a wonderful cause