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Long way home: Rescuers struggle to rehab dogs after SGACC shuts down
Animal rescuers are aiming to rehabilitate at least 500 dogs from SGACC, battling limited resources and the lack of publicity
Many rescue dogs in the Capital are once again facing an uncertain future as one of Delhi’s oldest institutions for sheltering abandoned animals, Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre (SGACC), is temporarily shutting operations from August 1.
Former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, who started SGACC, said the hiatus was to ensure upgraded infrastructure, better staffing and animal sensitivity training. In a statement issued on her Twitter handle, she said, “As of 01.08.2021, after 40 years of functioning, the hospital will be shut down for a complete overhaul.”
The statement further mentioned that the centre will be closed to any future rescues, and existing animals will be rehabilitated. “It will be closed to any future rescues, and existing animals will be rehabilitated. We will rebuild this institution again – physically (with the entire dog section rebuilt, with new infrastructure) and more importantly, in terms of staffing,” it stated.
In the meanwhile, animal rescuers are aiming to rehabilitate at least 500 dogs from SGACC, battling limited resources and the lack of publicity.
Social media to the rescue
Elaborating on the changes underway at the SGACC, Mohit Sharma, who has been working at the centre for nearly three-and-a-half years says, “New shelter construct hoga, toh aur space nahin hoga humare paas to rescue dogs and large animals.” In a bid to amplify the cause, the volunteers are using social media to find prospective families. The response so far has been underwhelming, however. “It’s disheartening. Very few people have come forward,” shares Manta Sidhu, from Angel Eyes NGO, who is helping SGACC.
Forever homes, no more fosters
The rehabilitation process is now focussing on finding forever homes rather than foster ones. Underscoring the need for them, Sidhu says, “It gets difficult for dogs to move from one place to another. It will be tough for them to adjust again with the new dogs here.”
The plight of desi breeds
Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for the adoption of Indian dog breeds last year, and various celebs advocating for the desi breed, denizens are still unsure. Animal volunteer Garima Dabla working with the team says, “There is still some hesitancy in adopting abandoned dogs or the indie breed even though these dogs are healthy, vaccinated and spayed/ neutered.”
Welcome to spend time at the centre
As humans often form instant bonds with animals, the centre is allowing to-be pet parents to visit and spend time with the dogs to make the process smooth.
