Animals Matter To Me Mumbai (AMTM) has helped many stray or abandoned dogs and cats find homes in first world countries like the US and UK using the social networking website, Facebook.
The NGO has been working for the protection of animals from cruelty and neglect. It is comprised of volunteers —ranging from animal lovers to students, housewives and professionals. The group, which is headed by 33-year-old animal welfare officer appointed by the Bombay high court, Ganesh Nayak, recently completed a year of community service.
Nayak said, “We are presently working towards providing shelter and food to animals at the centre run by In defense of Animals at Deonar. Every Saturday our volunteers visit the centre to clean, bath, feed and help the animals at the centre.”
AMTM has facilitated the adoption of seven dogs in the US, two in UK and one cat found a loving home in Singapore. The adoption follows the proper procedures and is done only through referrals as verification of the adopting families’ living conditions is not possible in all cases.
Nayak has four cats and many dogs at his house in Four Bungalows. The group does not accept cash but request its donors to supply food grains and other eatables that can be used to feed the animals. The group has also tied up with several restaurants that supply their left-overs to the animals. Moreover, the group has members who are veterinarians and they give medical aid to the animals.
Nayak adds, “Facebook has come as major source of support, the networking page has over 8,000 followers. The group shares tips, ideas and issues relating to animals so that everyone can make use of it. This way we also get to know about any incidents of cruelty to animals.”
Nayak concludes, “Animals are speechless they need protection and care, if we don’t do it then who will?”
