 When did WSD first start and what was your vision? What is your website’s URL?
WSD was founded in 1985 and for the first nine years, focused all their efforts on trying to stop the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from killing stray dogs. The BMC used to kill around 40,000 stray dogs per year, by electrocuting them. This was a wrong way of trying to achieve the objectives of reducing their population or eliminating rabies. WSD thus pioneered the sterilisation programme in 1989 and has sterilised more than 41,000 street dogs till date. The success of these efforts can be seen in South Mumbai (Wards A-E) which was allocated to them by the BMC.
You are deeply committed to helping animals. What influenced your decision to start this business?
The decision was influenced by the fact that killing of stray dogs had no effect on reducing the street dog population or eliminating human rabies deaths. In fact, today, after sterilizing and immunizing the dogs, human rabies deaths have gone down by more than 80% and street dog population has gone down drastically in the wards allocated to WSD.
How has WSD grown? How many animals are in your care at present and how many have you helped in the past?
WSD started with sterilisng only 30 dogs a month and now sterilizes more than 250 dogs every month. We have also added various activities like on-site first-aid, healthcare, education and awareness and adoptions to our core activity of mass sterilization and immunization. WSD has sterilized 41,000 street dogs till date and must have impacted the lives of more than a lakh.
What are the main activities of WSD? What are some of the events that you hold on a regular basis?
WSD activities are as follows:
Mass sterilization and immunization: We follow the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the Animal Welfare Board of India. Dogs are caught by the Municipal Corporations or brought by the WSD van. They are sterilized and vaccinated against rabies. During their stay they are kept on a vegetarian diet and treated for medical problems if any (e.g. wounds, skin problems). Before discharge by the Corporations/WSD van, they are notched on the ear as an identification mark
On-site rabies vaccination drives: Apart from the dogs that are immunised as part of the sterilisation programme, we regularly vaccinate dogs on the street and in slums.
On-site first aid programme: Since 1996, 30,000 stray dogs were treated on the street for skin problems, maggot wounds, injuries and other problems.
Adoption programme: We encourage the adoption of pariah dogs, mongrels and pets that have been abandoned by their owners. We find them suitable homes after strict screening of potential owners, and behaviour training of the dogs if necessary. We have introduced the concept of “Adoption Melas” in Mumbai to create public enthusiasm for stray dog adoption.
Education programme: Our Education cell makes slide presentations to English medium schools on dogs, the stray dog issue, rabies prevention etc. Illustrated chart presentations are made to slum dwellers, especially children. Rabies awareness drives are held in public places to spread information about prevention measures.
WSD also holds regular SOS Workshops to educate animal lovers about basic first aid and identification of diseases. WSD also holds regulars garage sales and sells WSD merchandise of T-shirts, bags, towels, dog mattresses, pillows etc with popular dog motifs.
How have people responded to your cause? Do they come forward and offer their help?
People respond in a very positive way and come forward to call when they see an animal in distress, support the organization by volunteering or donating.
WSD spends around Rs 3.5 lakhs per month and runs wholly on donations from dog lovers. People help WSD in the following ways.
1) Donate: (By cheque/bank transfer). WSD is a registered charity and donations are exempted under 80-G of the Income Tax Act. You could also donate for specific programmes, capital or recurring costs or for the corpus fund.
2) In-Kind donations: You can donate items that can be used at the WSD kennels like food grains, medicines, bed sheets or old newspapers. You can also contribute items for the garage sale.
3) Volunteer: You can join WSD’s 150 strong active volunteer team by helping out in walking dogs at the kennels, learning basic first-aid or helping out in the education programme or fund raising.
4) Adopt: Adopt a dog from WSD. Adopt a street dog. They are a breed apart!
Are you based in Mumbai only? Are you looking to expand?
Yes, we are based in Mumbai and currently not looking to expand outside the city.
What is your long term vision for WSD?
WSD's vision is to better the relationship between street dogs and humans. We would like to achieve this through our mission which is, to ensure the best possible care for stray dogs by taking a pragmatic, effective and solution-oriented approach. So it is not just about looking after the interests and rights of the canine stray population, but also to ensure that the human element, (which is the public health aspect) is taken care of.
WSD Helpline : 64222838
Website : www.wsdindia.org
E mail : wsdindia@gmail.com
WSD Adoption Blog : http://wsdadoptions.blogspot.com/
Follow us on Twitter @WSDIndia
Join us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thewelfareofstraydogs
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