Rejoice in Large Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre's Grassroots Relief Efforts

Hegganahalli, LARRC Instagram.

Large Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (LARRC) in Bangalore, Karnataka State, India, is part of the animal welfare NGO Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA).

LARRC has been documenting their grassroots Covid-19 relief efforts on Instagram @cupa_Larrc. Please rejoice in everything they are doing to help animals and their caregivers in Karnataka State.

Covid-19 Relief Work Day 4: Ashraya Hastha Trust Large Animals Feeding Program

"Haven't you Bengalureans noticed people walking across the city with cows or bulls seeking alms? Today Team CUPA went to their colony at Hegganahalli, Peenya 2nd Stage called Bayalu Basavanna Colony and provided fodder for about 70-80 cattle.

Hegganahalli, LARRC Instagram.

"We were joined by the BBMP Health Inspectors (Shivalingaiah & Venkatramu) and Supervisors (BhadreGowda & Jayaram) during the feeding.

Special thanks to Mr Upendra of Maruthi medicals, our staff and volunteers."

Covid-19 Relief Work Day 16: Ashraya Hastha Trust Large Animals Feeding Program

Hegganahalli, LARRC Instagram.

"CUPA received an urgent request to feed the cattle belonging to the nomadic people. These people have been prevented to move on the roads for seeking alms due to the lockdown, this resulted in the inability to feed their cattle.

Hegganahalli, LARRC Instagram.

"A truckload of freshly cut maize was sent to their settlements namely Hegganahalli in Peenya and Bangarappa Gudda in Banashankari 3rd stage. This is our third visit to these settlements."

Hegganahalli, LARRC Instagram.

Covid-19 Relief Work Day 15: Ashraya Hastha Trust Large Animals Feeding Program

"Today CUPA and Samabhava visited Horse Cross in Kothanur (Bangalore north taluk). Horse Cross is a riding school with over about 15 ponies and horses, due to the lockdown, labour issues and non availability of fodder a very sad picture was presented to CUPA.

Horse Cross, LARRC Instagram.

On informing Sandesh of Samabhava, he rushed to the spot. It was decided to provide Horse gram, Wheat Bran flakes and Rhodes grass to these ponies/horses. 

Horse Cross, LARRC Instagram.

"Samabhava also brought a farrier to look into the horses hooves. Samabhava has kindly decided to keep stock of the situation at Horse Cross. CUPA will help whenever required. Special thanks to Mr Sandesh Raju of Samabhava, our staff and volunteers."

Horse Cross, LARRC Instagram.

Covid-19 Relief Work Day 17: Ashraya Hastha Trust Large Animals Feeding Program

"CUPA facilitated by Sandesh Raju had a dry fodder (Horse Gram, Bran flakes and jaggery) distribution at Jayachamaraja Road / Kalasipalyam Horse Stand.

Kalasipalyam Horse Stand, LARRC Instagram.

"It was a special day because these horses (ponies and ceremonial horses) are owned by the senior group of pony owners. These people are not able to do active work and may not earn as much as youngsters do. One of the owners is a polio stricken cart driver.

"The fodder was weighed and distributed equally to the owners of 20 of these animals.

Kalasipalyam Horse Stand, LARRC Instagram.

"The feed distributed should last them for 10 days. Hopefully by then they will be able to earn enough to feed their animals.

"Special thanks to Mr Sandesh Raju of Samabhava for bringing to notice the plight of these elderly horse owners during this time. Thank you to our staff Mr Jagadeesh and volunteers."

Kalasipalyam Horse Stand, LARRC Instagram.

Large Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (LARRC)

"Sitting on a two-acre piece of land, the Large Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre was opened in 2012 to focus on the rescue & rehabilitation of large working animals. Residing here are 60+ cows, bulls, buffaloes, donkeys, horses, and goats.

"All these animals end up at our center for the same reason – they no longer provide an economic benefit to their owners. Injured horses or cows that don’t produce milk are seen as nothing more than burdens and are thus abandoned."

Continue reading about LARRC on the CUPA website.

What it Takes to Run a Shelter

"What does it take to run a shelter for abandoned, sometimes ill-treated, many-times-injured yet almost always spirited large animals?

Well.. it takes

❤️ a dedicated team of selfless individuals 

❤️ a truckload of determination against the ever increasing odds

❤️ the hardwork and expertise of our veterinarians and staff

❤️ our little group of enthusiastic and committed volunteers
and most importantly ❤️ YOU, our kind, compassionate donors

"CUPA's Large Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (LARRC) is home to 100+ large animals including cattle, buffaloes some we’ve seen grow up from mere babies, beautiful horses, delightful donkeys (you should watch them try to sing along to violins) and the odd goat or two.

"We treat accident victims across Bangalore, many are undergoing various stages of treatment. Just the cost of feeding all these hungry mouths per month is approximately Rs 3 lakhs.

"With the current state of affairs the world over we too are facing a crisis in our little world and we are appealing to you for your support.

"Please spare a moment, look through the work we do, (cupa_india or cupa_larrc or on www.cupaindia.org) and please do support us with a donation, however big or small, and help us to continue the work we are doing to help our animals live the best lives they deserve.

"And of course please do come visit us (post lockdown :) ) so we can introduce you in person to all the wonderful characters that have found a home at our shelter.

Little Gaurav and Little Jignesh

"On Monday a day after Mother's Day a little boy who is barely 15 days old was separated from his mother.

"He was tied up in front of his house for the whole day for a purchaser to buy him, he was quoted for Rs 500 (USD $6.61)!!!! His poor mother was inside knowing fully well that her little boy was outside but there was nothing she could do.

Little Gaurav and Little Jignesh, LARRC Instagram.

"Now named Little Jignesh, he has come to CUPA LARRC and has 2 foster mothers and Little Gaurav (whose story was put up a week back) as his friend.

"Please do support the two little boys by passively adopting them. For further details please message us."

Help the Animals and Their Caregivers

For donors located in India:

Account Name: COMPASSION UNLIMITED PLUS ACTION
Account number: 130101010005232
IFSC Code: VIJB0001301
MICR Code: 560029010
Branch: Vijaya Bank, Indiranagar
Please mention LARRC in the remarks column 

Donations are 80G exemption eligible. (Section 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act allows donors to take a tax deduction on donations made to any charitable organization.)

For donors located outside of India:

Donate using PayPal.

Account Name: COMPASSION UNLIMITED PLUS ACTION
Account number: 130101010008250
Swift Code: VIJBINBBFXB
IFSC Code: VIJB0001301
MICR Code: 560029010
Branch: Vijaya Bank, Indiranagar

Help Feed Many Animals in Bangalore on #GivingTuesdayNow During Covid-19

Compassion for ALL, CUPA newsletter.

You might have read earlier blog posts about my enthusiasm for and visits to Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), an animal welfare NGO in Bangalore, Karnataka State, South India.

CUPA operates seven centers (adoption center, animal birth control, veterinary hospital, and more) that care for 10,000+ wild and domesticated animals every year. I've visited most of CUPA's centers, including repeat visits to the Large Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (LARRC) which is home to 100+ large domesticated animals and rescued dogs.

CUPA is just one of the many animal welfare NGOs around the world taking care of street animals who due to lockdowns have been cut off from the sources of food they depend on to survive. If you are able then please remember them on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 #GivingTuesdayNow. Please help raise awareness by sharing this story with others.

Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA)

Here is the most recent (April 28) email newsletter I've received from CUPA.

CUPA logo, CUPA Facebook.

Lockdown Hits Operations
This is a quick update, for all our donors, supporters and well wishers, on the work CUPA has been engaged in during these distressing times. Covid-19 struck us rather unexpectedly and the lock down had not been anticipated by anyone. The moment we gauged the seriousness of the situation, CUPA centers started stocking up on food grains, fodder and packaged feed for the dogs, cats and large animals.

During the start of the lock-down, we shut down the seven working centers for volunteers, visitors and Animal Birth Control Operations for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), in order to reduce the number of people coming into contact with staff and animals.

Our rescue operations continue on a smaller scale to ensure timely medical care for sick and injured animals, as do our shelter operations at the four centers housing large numbers of dogs, cats, cows, ponies, donkeys and horses. 

A few of the many dedicated CUPA staff members, CUPA newsletter.

 
Staff Welfare First
The CUPA Board decided that all salaries will be paid on time and in full. We are committed equally to the welfare of the staff without whom none of the work would have been possible.
CUPA works with organisations/volunteers to help hungry animals affected by lock-down

Street dog feeding, CUPA Facebook.

Collaboration

We are extremely proud to be associated with various organisations and individuals who have come forward to help with feeding animals affected by Covid-19 lockdown across the city. Bangalore has 3 Lakh+ stray animals.

We have also allocated the food to veteran feeders who know how to carry out responsible community animal feeding. We would like to extend our thanks to all these feeders and volunteers who are sacrificing their time to make sure our community animals are taken care of everyday.

About 4000 animals are being fed everyday across the city of Bangalore during the lockdown. Cooked food and packaged food is being distributed through our strong network of volunteers.

The same high quality food cooked for CUPA shelter dogs is being cooked and served to street dogs every day, CUPA Facebook.

Additionally about 2000 large animals like jatka ponies, donkeys, horses used for weddings and other ceremonies, stray bulls are being fed with green fodder. There are pockets of nomadic people who camp with their bullocks in various parts of Bangalore These begging bullocks are known as 'Bayalu Basavanna' and green fodder was distributed to one such colony in Nagarabhavi. 

Indian cows eating CUPA-provided fodder, CUPA Facebook.
Read about India's native cow breeds on wikipedia.

Compassion for ALL!
The Ministry of Home Affairs requesting us to supplement the Government's efforts during this Covid-19 period by extending support for feeding hungry humans who are homeless and migrant.
Coupled with many requests from donors who have asked us where they could also contribute to feeding of needy humans, CUPA has started a special fund - Covid19 Mission - Food For All. This project sees us reaching out to collaborate with respected partners in the field to feed migrant workers and their families.

Belgavi, Karnataka State, India, CUPA Facebook.

North Karnataka Relief
We recently received a call from the district Veterinary officer in Belgavi, a district in North Karnataka where CUPA distributed relief material for animals affected by the floods in 2019. This year we were requested to provide assistance in procuring dog food since the lockdown had caused widespread hunger to hundreds of dogs in the region. We were lucky that we identified vendors in Belgavi and quickly coordinated the distribution of Dog food to feed the hungry dogs of Belgavi. We were really happy to help.

See How Your Contributions Were Used

• Feed for 400+ animals in our shelters
• Additional feed for about 4000 dogs and 2000 large animals like cows, ponies, horses affected by lockdown
• Rescue and rehabilitation of injured & sick animals
• Migrant labour welfare
• Staff welfare

CUPA Sponsor a Meal Campaign, CUPA newsletter.

Sponsor A Meal Campaign
CUPA needs funds to feed 400+ animals in our shelters and community animals around us. We are running our centres with skeletal staff who are working tirelessly to ensure animals are fed and cared for. Be compassionate and donate a sum to help us during these trying times. We will be feeding dogs in different areas of Bangalore. Every contribution counts! Donate on the CUPA website.

Elderly hungry street dogs need you, CUPA Facebook.

Visit CUPA on Facebook or CUPA on Instagram for more stories and photos.

India Adventure: initial impressions

One month after moving back to the US from Nairobi, I embarked on another adventure.

At the airport. Here we go.

I flew through Zurich and Mumbai to Bangalore, a city in South India that has been "home" to my friend Sowmya for the past few years.

Sowmya, another American yoga teacher, Maddie and their Taiwanese and Indian colleagues are transforming the lives of adults, and special needs youth and their families through yoga, dance, energy healings, and art instruction. Their week is full of classes - some are taught at Sowmya and Maddie's home where I am staying, while others take place at businesses and schools. Profits from the classes will be used to start a nonprofit organization Prafull Oorja.

Members of the Prafull Oorja team.

I got to assist Sowmya with a yoga class taught to three autistic children under the age of ten. I've also gotten to take a yoga class from Maddie, and a meditation class from Sowmya. Both classes were taught on their private rooftop space that overlooks residential Bangalore.

Sowmya's meditation class.

Other than yoga, the other constant in my life this week has been Bangalore's many street dogs and free roaming cows. Sowmya introduced me to her friend Shilpa who volunteers for the Bangalore nonprofit Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA). Shilpa and I walked her two former street dogs one morning, and then enjoyed tea and breakfast back at her house. 

Shilpa's dog Joey Tribbiani, so named because when she first brought him in off of the street all he did was eat and pass gas.

Shilpa told me that street dogs with notched ears have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated by CUPA. Some of these dogs are fed by good samaritans. Others have been adopted (and collared) but are left to roam free because they are used to roaming and are dirty. Some of these dogs will accept my vegetarian food offerings, but others continue to nose through the mounds of trash that dot Bangalore's streets. 

CUPA has a van and staff with nets who answer calls from residents who have restrained dogs that need medical care. It is always hard to see a skinny dog nosing through trash, but the physical evidence of untreated injuries is even harder to witness. Shilpa and I are both aware of a grown, skittish dog with a mangled neck. Shilpa thinks someone tied a string around this dog's neck when it was a puppy. The string is now embedded in the dog's neck. I cringe each time I think of this dog, and that is often. I am regularly checking the street where I saw the dog last week, with the goal of capturing it alongside CUPA. Please send this dog your blessings.

Hindus, the largest religious community in India hold cows as sacred. As a result Bangalore's many privately owned motorcycles, cars, "autos", bicycles, and buses are constantly dodging the dairy cows and calves that serenely meander the crowded streets. The cows' owners cannot afford to feed them so they let the animals roam through Bangalore and eat trash. Shilpa told me that when CUPA's vets slice open cows' stomachs to perform surgeries, they find a lot of plastic. Sowmya, Maddie, and I have started bringing nearby cows our compost scraps.

Riding in an auto, Bangalore's version of the taxi.

Since this trip is about relaxation and reconnection, I've been spending a lot of time running. There's a nice park near the house that has paths lined with flagstone. While running during the lunch hour a man sitting on a park bench waved me down and told me it was time to take a break and enjoy lunch. Even though Bangalore is India's richest city (and technology hub) the city's slower pace is more similar to the pace in Kenya than the US.

I'm adjusting to the slower pace as well as the safer environment. It was hard to walk out of Sowmya and Maddie's guarded apartment complex gate on my first night in Bangalore. I couldn't believe that it was safe to take an open-air auto, driven by a stranger, on the streets after dark. I couldn't relax in the auto. Walking down the street from where the auto dropped us off to the restaurant we were headed towards was a challenge. I'm now able to walk down the street in Bangalore alone after dark, but not as comfortably as I might have done before living in Nairobi.

Another difference from Nairobi is that Bangalore homes are enclosed by walls and fences so low that I can see over the tops of them, to the sometimes beautiful architecture. I felt more comfortable when visiting a community on the outskirts of Bangalore, where the new construction is enclosed inside of high walled compounds much like Nairobi.

I went for a beautiful run along curving country roads one day last week. I ran through the heart of a small village where the buildings were painted in mediterranean pastel colors, past young men playing volleyball and cycling who shouted out friendly greetings in what I imagined was the local language, Tamil.

This time it's not just a new language, but also a new alphabet.

I am still haunted by memories of a bony, nursing dog that I saw in this community, that was nosing through a trash heap that was adjacent to a polluted river. Like Nairobi, the streets here often smell of the rivers of raw sewage that are sometimes visible from the road. Plastic trash is everywhere.

My run ended at a religiously affiliated home for special needs women, where Maddie used to teach yoga. Maddie and I were there to attend the home's Christmas Party/talent show. One teenage girl was introduced as a very good dancer. She walked up to the front of the room using a walker, and then sat down in a chair. She danced to a Bollywood song played on CD, while seated in her chair, with a radiant smile on her face. It was the highlight not only of the day, but of my first week in India. It reminded me that India is not just a country with a fascinating history and culture, but a living, breathing, beautiful community.    

Play performed by residents about the birth of Jesus. Photo credit: Maddie

And that was my first week in India.