Spare a thought for the strays this Deepavali

Deepavali can be a stressful time for pets and stray animals with loud noises and flickering lights. Animal rescuers say dogs are intensely affected by high decibel levels and many may run away from h

Deepavali can be a stressful time for pets and stray animals with loud noises and flickering lights. Animal rescuers say dogs are intensely affected by high decibel levels and many may run away from home on account of that.

Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary’s (BMAD) Deepavali poster announcing its helpline number says many animals get injured due to firecrackers and some end up in road accidents.

So, how can we celebrate the festival in a responsible manner? Rescuer Aishwarya Prem says awareness is the only way people can be made more sensitive to the plight of animals. Every year, she and her cousin Sangeeth Sudheers knocks at the door of their neighbours in Kanathur on East Coast Road to sensitise them about this issue. “We request them to burst crackers in areas where dog packs are not found,” says Aishwarya, who runs Second Chance Animal Trust.