Jodhpur, like many cities in Rajasthan, has a significant population of stray dogs, cats, and other animals that share our streets and neighborhoods. These animals are an integral part of our community fabric, yet many face challenges including hunger, disease, injuries, and the dangers of traffic and human conflict. At Dr. Quazi's Health & Surgical Pet Clinic, we are deeply committed to the welfare of all animals, not just those with homes.
This guide is for every compassionate citizen of Jodhpur who wants to help but may not know where to start. Whether you can spare time, resources, or simply knowledge, every contribution matters in creating a more humane city for all living beings.
The State of Stray Animals in Jodhpur
Understanding the Situation
India is home to an estimated 35-40 million stray dogs, and Rajasthan has one of the highest concentrations. Jodhpur's warm climate, open food sources, and urban sprawl create conditions where stray populations can grow rapidly without proper management.
Common Challenges Strays Face:
- - Lack of regular food and clean water
- - Exposure to extreme desert heat and cold
- - Traffic accidents and injuries
- - Diseases like mange, parvovirus, and distemper
- - Human-animal conflict and cruelty
Why Community Action Matters:
- - Reduces human-animal conflict
- - Controls population humanely through ABC
- - Prevents spread of zoonotic diseases
- - Creates a more compassionate community
- - Protects vulnerable animals from suffering
ABC (Animal Birth Control) Program
The Most Humane Solution
The ABC program is the most effective and humane approach to managing stray animal populations. Mandated by the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, this program involves sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs and returning them to their territory.
- - Catch: Stray animals are humanely caught by trained handlers
- - Sterilize: Animals undergo spay/neuter surgery by qualified veterinarians
- - Vaccinate: Anti-rabies and other essential vaccinations are administered
- - Release: Animals are returned to their original territory after recovery
- - Ear notch: A small V-notch on the ear identifies sterilized animals
How You Can Support ABC in Jodhpur
You can actively contribute to the ABC program in your neighborhood:
- - Report unsterilized strays to local ABC centers or animal welfare organizations
- - Help with post-operative care by providing a safe space for recovery
- - Educate neighbors about the importance and legality of ABC
- - Donate to organizations running ABC drives in Jodhpur
- - Volunteer during ABC camps and vaccination drives
How to Safely Feed Stray Animals
Feeding with Care and Responsibility
Feeding stray animals is an act of compassion that is also protected by law. However, it should be done responsibly to maintain hygiene, avoid conflicts with neighbors, and ensure the animals' health is not compromised.
Best Practices for Feeding
What to Feed:
- - Cooked rice mixed with dal or vegetables
- - Boiled chicken or eggs (for dogs)
- - Roti soaked in milk or curd
- - Commercial dry dog/cat food
- - Always provide clean, fresh water
What to Avoid:
- - Chocolate, onions, grapes, or garlic
- - Spicy or heavily salted food
- - Bones that can splinter (cooked chicken bones)
- - Spoiled or expired food
- - Raw meat (risk of parasites)
Feeding Etiquette
- - Feed at a fixed time and place to build routine
- - Clean up leftover food and bowls after feeding
- - Choose a spot that does not block pedestrians or traffic
- - Be mindful of neighbors; communicate your intentions
- - During summer, ensure water bowls are always available
- - Use disposable or dedicated bowls that you clean regularly
Identifying Sick or Injured Strays
When a Stray Needs Help
Knowing when a stray animal needs medical attention can save lives. Here are the key signs to watch for and how to respond safely.
Signs of Illness:
- - Severe hair loss or mange (scabby, hairless patches)
- - Discharge from eyes, nose, or mouth
- - Limping or inability to walk
- - Visible wounds, bleeding, or swelling
- - Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
- - Aggressive behavior from a usually calm animal
What You Can Do:
- - Do not attempt to handle the animal if it seems aggressive
- - Contact a local animal rescue organization
- - Call a veterinarian for guidance
- - Provide water and shade while waiting for help
- - Note the location and share with rescue teams
- - If safe, gently contain the animal in a box or enclosure
Safety First
While your intention to help is commendable, always prioritize your safety. Injured or sick animals may bite out of fear or pain. Use thick gloves or a towel if you need to handle them. If an animal shows signs of rabies (excessive drooling, unprovoked aggression, difficulty walking), do not approach and contact authorities immediately.
Connecting Strays with Veterinary Care
Dr. Quazi's Community Programs
At Dr. Quazi's Health & Surgical Pet Clinic, we believe that every animal deserves access to medical care. Our community programs are designed to bridge the gap between stray animals and the veterinary services they need.
- - Emergency treatment for injured strays brought to our clinic
- - Vaccination support during community drives
- - Sterilization services as part of the ABC program
- - Mange and skin treatment for affected strays
- - Guidance and referrals for community members who find sick animals
How to Bring a Stray for Treatment
- - Call the clinic before arriving so we can prepare
- - Transport the animal safely using a box, carrier, or vehicle
- - If the animal cannot be moved, describe the situation over the phone
- - Provide any history you know (how long the animal has been unwell, etc.)
- - If cost is a concern, discuss options with our team; we work with welfare organizations
Vaccination Drives and Their Importance
Protecting the Community Through Vaccination
Vaccination drives are critical for controlling rabies and other infectious diseases in the stray animal population. India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths, and mass vaccination of stray dogs is the most effective way to eliminate this threat.
Key Vaccines for Strays:
- - Anti-rabies vaccine (most critical)
- - DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza)
- - Deworming treatments
- - Mange treatment (ivermectin injections)
How to Get Involved:
- - Volunteer at vaccination camps
- - Help identify unvaccinated strays in your area
- - Sponsor vaccination drives in your colony
- - Spread awareness about rabies prevention
How to Foster or Adopt a Stray
Giving a Stray a Second Chance
Adopting a stray animal is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Indian strays, often called "desi" dogs or "Indie" dogs, are known for their intelligence, loyalty, resilience, and natural adaptation to our climate.
Steps to Adopt a Stray
- - Observe first: Spend time with the animal to assess temperament
- - Vet checkup: Get a full health examination before bringing them home
- - Vaccinate: Ensure all core vaccinations are up to date
- - Sterilize: Spay or neuter the animal to prevent unwanted litters
- - Prepare your home: Create a safe, comfortable space with food, water, and bedding
- - Be patient: Strays may take weeks to adjust to indoor living
- - Register: Get a municipal license and ID tag for your adopted pet
Why Indie Dogs Make Great Pets
- - Naturally adapted to Indian climate and conditions
- - Generally healthier with fewer genetic disorders than purebreds
- - Highly intelligent and trainable
- - Loyal and protective of their families
- - Lower maintenance grooming requirements
- - Strong immune systems adapted to local pathogens
Legal Aspects of Animal Welfare in Rajasthan
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Indian law provides strong protections for animals, including strays. Understanding these laws helps you advocate for animals and protect yourself while doing so.
Key Laws Protecting Animals
- - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: Makes cruelty to any animal a punishable offense
- - Animal Birth Control Rules, 2001: Mandates ABC programs; prohibits killing of stray dogs
- - IPC Section 428 & 429: Punishment for killing or maiming animals
- - Right to feed strays: Multiple court rulings have upheld the right of citizens to feed stray animals
- - Rajasthan Municipal Act: Local provisions for animal welfare and ABC implementation
What Is Illegal
The following activities are illegal under Indian law:
- - Poisoning, beating, or killing stray animals
- - Relocating stray dogs from their territory
- - Preventing others from feeding stray animals in public spaces
- - Abandoning a pet on the streets
- - Operating unauthorized animal shelters without proper care standards
Community Organizations and Resources
You Are Not Alone
Jodhpur has a growing network of animal welfare organizations and compassionate individuals working together to improve the lives of stray animals. Here is how you can connect with them.
Ways to Get Involved
- - Join local animal welfare WhatsApp groups
- - Volunteer at animal rescue organizations
- - Become a neighborhood animal guardian
- - Organize vaccination camps in your colony
- - Start a community feeding program
Resources to Contact
- - Local ABC centers for sterilization and vaccination
- - Dr. Quazi's Clinic for medical emergencies
- - Jodhpur Municipal Corporation animal welfare cell
- - AWBI (Animal Welfare Board of India) helpline
- - Online platforms for adoption and rehoming
Every Small Action Counts
You do not have to rescue every animal yourself. Simply providing a bowl of water during summer, reporting an injured animal, or educating a child about kindness to animals creates a ripple effect of compassion that can transform our community.
Help Us Help the Strays of Jodhpur
Whether you have found an injured stray, want to adopt, or need guidance on animal welfare, our team at Dr. Quazi's clinic is here to support you and the animals in our community.