Blue Cross Of Hyderabad

The Blue Cross of Hyderabad operates an Animal Welfare Training Center with a multifaceted training programme. It offers Animal Birth Control Training in collaboration with AWBI, provides First Aid training for experienced volunteers to assist street animals in need, and promotes responsible pet ownership and understanding of animal behaviour. After 25 years of service, its primary focus has shifted towards reducing animal suffering through street animal birth control operations, accompanied by comprehensive training initiatives to expand animal welfare awareness. Its training encompasses first aid for animals, prevention of animal cruelty, pet care, pet behaviour, animal handling, and stray dog catching. The primary objective is to empower volunteers to provide timely assistance to community animals, with a strong emphasis on the importance of first aid in saving lives.

The Blue Cross of Hyderabad advocates for Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ABC/ARV) to address stray dog issues humanely. It stresses responsible garbage disposal and discourages dog removal, as new dogs replace them swiftly. Neutering and vaccination are recommended, supported by the Animal Welfare Board of India and governed by Stray Dog Control Rules 2001. Community involvement, funding, and well-trained teams are essential for successful ABC/ARV programmes, creating Rabies-free zones. Challenges include objections from residents and funding. It offers guidance on safe interactions with strays and response to dog bites, emphasizing Rabies prevention through vaccination and sterilization, rather than dog removal.

The Blue Cross of Hyderabad operates a community-sponsored veterinary clinic, presently open on Sundays due to COVID-19, offering free Anti Rabies Vaccines for dogs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Its services include check-ups, birth control operations, anti-Rabies vaccinations, first-aid, disease prevention, pet health consulting, and awareness sessions. It lacks diagnostic facilities and does not provide free medicines for pets. Critical care is available within a 15 km radius, mainly for animals rescued by trained volunteers. Admission criteria involve a vet's prognosis, a dedicated volunteer for seven days of follow-up care, available kennel space, and animals brought during working hours. Animals with certain conditions cannot be admitted, and attempts to force admission are reported. It suggests utilizing Government-run veterinary hospitals and animal facilities for such cases.