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International Animal Rescue |
 Animal welfare is valued in Britain, much more so than in many other countries. In Goa, western India, the International Animal Rescue (IAR) organisation is working to try to introduce similar conditions for local animals.
Goa has been a major tourist destination for years. The former Portuguese enclave has attracted travellers for more than 50 years. But there is another side to this tranquil holiday destination.
Many stray dogs roam the streets and beaches and John Hicks, the founder of International Animal Rescue, works here to minimise the number of stray animals on the streets. John wanted to help after becoming upset over the number of strays he saw on the beaches whilst on holiday.
The IAR team captures and releases dogs each week. Many of the dogs are in pain as maggots have eaten into their wounds due to the heat. The heat also encourages fleas and diseased dogs are often found suffering from mange - caused by tiny mites. The dogs are often hard to catch as they aren't used to human interaction. Once the dogs are rescued, they are given a thorough check-up by the team's vet and we see one dog that undergoes surgery.
Stray cats are another problem in Goa. The veterinary surgeon says the hardest part of his job is putting-down kittens if they are diseased. Another reason for reducing the numbers is the sheer number of owner-less animals.
But cats and dogs aren't the only problem in this beautiful area. The team also try to help other animals - including monkeys. Many monkeys are kept as family pets, and the team work to return them to their natural habitat.
Animal welfare is not the same in Goa as in the UK, so neglect and ignorance as to how to treat ill animals, including bulls and cows, is lless well known. These animals are often left untreated in bad conditions. As well as helping animals, IAR's aim is to educate local farmers in veterinary services - but much of this is just too expensive for many local people. We do, however, see IAR help one cow owner who seems happy with the assistance.
Recently the IAR funded a new 'ambulance' to help transport sick and injured animals in Goa. The animals travel in comfort to a local animal rescue centre.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 August 2006 )
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