Stepping up for the city’s animals
The streets of Dhaka have been deserted by humans, but one thing has remained constant there even during the shutdown. The city's resident strays are still roaming the streets, some scampering about by themselves, some sprinting in groups.
Their usual source of food, however, has disappeared. Dogs, cats and birds relied on scavenging food from leftovers dumped by restaurants, shops etc. But currently, almost all establishments are closed, so food is scarce for animals.
As we stand by people in need during this crisis, helping stray animals is also necessary, as they need us now more than ever. Keeping this in mind, several volunteer organisations and many individuals have come forward to provide them with food.
A lot of residents are preparing meals for cats and dogs at home and distributing them to animals at different parts of the capital.
Tahia Reza Prapti and her husband Ashraful Islam Razib, with the help of a local youth, have been feeding strays for the last few days at Mirpur's Rupnagar Residential Area.
Unfortunately, due to the spread of misinformation, many had stopped this practice, fearing that they might get infected by animals.
However, individual effort alone is not enough to feed so many animals. This is where volunteer organisations come in with a larger scope of impact.
Afzal Khan, founder and head of RobinHood the Animal Rescuer, said they have been providing food to stray dogs since March 29.
"We prepare 40-50kg of chicken and 25kg of rice [for dogs] every day," said Afzal. The organisation provides food to 1,100-1200 dogs at around 10 areas daily.
It is not all about the dogs, though. Cats, birds and other animals also share the meals among themselves.
"We distribute the food by driving around the areas. We have 32 volunteers who, by rotation, remain involved in these activities," he said.
Rakibul Haq, chairperson of PAW Foundation, said they have been providing food to stray dogs and other animals since March 26.
Initially, they distributed at Lalmatia, Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Islambagh and adjoining areas of Eden Mohila College. But now, they are providing food at other parts of the city too.
They distribute food among 400-500 dogs every day, and of course, other animals join in on the feast, he said.
PAW Foundation is currently preparing the meals at their office in Lalmatia and at Uttara Community Center of Dhaka North City Corporation. DNCC Mayor-elect Atiqul Islam designated the centre for their operation from last Wednesday (April 8).
There are around 60,000 stray dogs in the city. On Wednesday, PAW wrote a letter to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, requesting authorities to urge residents to not harm the animals and provide them with adequate amounts of food, he added.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim, in reply, said they will look into the matter.
Both organisations are operating through donations from benevolent individuals and groups.
With all educational institutes being closed, many animal lovers have one question in mind: how are the dogs at Dhaka University (DU) doing?
Golam Rabbani, general secretary of Dhaka University Central Students' Union, said he himself gives food to 300 dogs of DU every day, so that they do not go hungry.
Animals often rely on the kindness of humans for survival, and during this crisis, people are stepping up for the innocent creatures. With more donations and help from those staying at home, these volunteer organisations and individuals can continue looking after the animals.
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