Animal Care Trust

The Animal Care Trust (ACT) operates an Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, which holds recognition from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and operates under the legal framework of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and Dog Rules 2001. Since 2003, ACT has successfully sterilized over 7000 dogs and 1000 cats. Currently, ACT conducts approximately 150-180 dog sterilizations and 15 cat sterilizations each month. After surgery, ACT ensures comprehensive post-operative care, typically for about a week or longer as needed, before releasing the animals back to their original locations.

Animal Care Trust (ACT) is actively engaged in the vital task of combatting rabies, an infectious disease that poses risks to both dogs and the public. Through its Anti Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programme, ACT conducts monthly campaigns aimed at safeguarding communities. These drives provide essential anti-rabies vaccinations to community dogs, extending the protection to dogs that have undergone animal birth control (ABC) as well. ACT also collaborates with organisations such as rotary clubs to hold ARV camps for pets, offering free vaccinations to pet owners. This ensures that all dogs receive their annual ARV vaccination, contributing to the prevention of rabies in the community.

Established in 2006, Vatsalya is a multifunctional shelter for stray animals and birds in Mangalore. Dogs, cats, cows, sheep, pigs, and birds receive diverse care, including surgery and long-term treatment. The facility comprises specialized wards, such as Lassy for surgeries and post-op care, Sneha for abused or disabled dogs, Misty for old and sick dogs, Dayakara for disease-affected dogs, Dhruvtara for cats, Mathrachaya for pregnant dogs, and Garuda for sick birds. Each ward serves a unique purpose, providing essential care and support to these animals.

Animal Care Trust (ACT) plays a vital role in facilitating animal adoptions, particularly for puppies and kittens rescued from the streets, especially when they lack a mother or are too young to fend for themselves. These animals are nurtured by dedicated volunteers in their homes until they are deemed ready for adoption. ACT ensures that these animals are in good health by providing vaccinations and deworming. ACT promotes the adoption of Indian animals with the motto "Be Indian, adopt Indian," encouraging people to choose rescues over purchasing pets. To facilitate adoptions, regular events are organised in and around Mangalore, where prospective pet owners receive strict guidelines on animal care, including vaccinations and sterilizations. ACT also maintains ongoing communication with pet owners to ensure the well-being of the adopted animals.

Animal Care Trust (ACT) is dedicated to rescuing distressed street animals, responding to an average of 100 rescue calls weekly. Its mission involves providing medical care, be it emergency or long-term, to animals injured in accidents, suffering from diseases, or facing cruelty. Volunteers and a network of supporters assist in reaching animals in need around Mangalore. At the shelter, animals receive essential care, examinations, and tailored treatment plans from veterinarians. Caregivers tend to their needs, including feeding, medication, and wound care, with daily monitoring. ACT's unwavering commitment to animal welfare informs their actions, ensuring each patient's well-being. Once fully recovered, animals are returned to their original location, while exceptions may apply for paraplegic or blind dogs finding permanent homes or adoptive families.

Animal Care Trust (ACT) actively engages in humane education initiatives, visiting schools and colleges to educate children and young adults about animal care, animal rights, and the prevention of cruelty to animals. These interactive sessions encompass various age groups, from kindergarten to college, fostering discussions about the well-being of animals, birds, and snakes. ACT introduces small animals like puppies and kittens to facilitate children's first-hand interactions with animals, aiming to nurture their natural curiosity and cultivate empathy towards street animals and birds.