Pune's Karma Foundation Gives Stray Animals Emergency Care

In Pune, timely medical care can be the difference between life and death for injured or abandoned animals. The Karma Foundation, co-founded by Priya Kailad and Aditya Makharia, aims to provide emergency veterinary care within the city limits.

The foundation was established after Kailad's nearly two decades of experience in animal rescue. She used to drive sick and injured animals to charities up to one and a half hours away from Pune city. The intention was to provide emergency care within the city limits, reducing the distance barrier to treatment.

What began as a 200-square-foot office has expanded into a 15,000-square-foot facility in Aundh, equipped as a full-fledged hospital for emergency animal care. The hospital primarily treats cats and dogs, accounting for around 98 per cent of its cases, while also treating pigs, horses, and goats occasionally.

The cases range from snake bites and injuries sustained during animal fights to severe instances of human-inflicted cruelty, including beatings, rape, and acid attacks. The hospital operates through an inpatient department (IPD) and a community outpatient department (OPD), admitting around 150 animals and giving free treatment every month through the IPD, while the community clinic sees approximately 350 to 400 animals every month.

For some animals, treatment involves complex surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation. One such case involved an abandoned dog suffering from spinal trauma that had left it paralyzed. After MRI and CT scans indicated that spinal surgery could potentially help the animal, the foundation arranged specialized equipment and a surgeon to carry out the procedure.

Another rescue involved a cat that became impaled on the sharp metal bars of a residential society gate while attempting to jump over it. The team had to reach the site with machinery, highlighting the challenges and complexities of providing emergency care to stray animals.

The Karma Foundation's work is crucial in ensuring that animals are not denied treatment simply because they are too far from a veterinary facility. With its expanded facility and dedicated team, the foundation continues to provide a second chance at life for stray animals in Pune.

The foundation's efforts are particularly significant in the context of rising cases of animal cruelty. In recent months, especially after the Supreme Court's stand, the hospital has seen an increase in cruelty cases, with people randomly beating up dogs. The Karma Foundation's work serves as a beacon of hope for stray animals in need of emergency care, and its commitment to providing timely medical care is a testament to the power of compassion and dedication.

In the end, the Karma Foundation's mission to provide emergency veterinary care within Pune's city limits is a vital service that saves lives and gives stray animals a second chance. As the foundation continues to grow and expand its services, it remains a shining example of the impact that can be made when people come together to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

The Karma Foundation's story is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of stray animals. By providing emergency care and rehabilitation, the foundation is not only saving lives but also raising awareness about the importance of treating animals with compassion and respect.

As the city of Pune continues to grow and develop, the need for emergency veterinary care will only continue to increase. The Karma Foundation is well-positioned to meet this need, and its commitment to providing timely and effective care to stray animals is a vital service that will continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

In conclusion, the Karma Foundation's work is a testament to the power of compassion and dedication. By providing emergency veterinary care to stray animals in Pune, the foundation is giving them a second chance at life and raising awareness about the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The foundation's mission is a vital service that will continue to make a difference in the lives of stray animals in Pune, and its impact will be felt for years to come.