Two animal lovers are lighting up the lives of stray dogs in a remote Navi Mumbai village with an out-of-the-box idea
Neha Nair attaches a reflective collar to a stray dog
As city homes hung up bright yellow lights and brought out their grandest fireworks, it was a dark, and silent Diwali for the stray dogs in Belpada. Located between the Navi Mumbai mangroves and the man-made marvels of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, and the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, the neighbourhood’s streeties were far away from the festive fervour. An ambitious change is in the offing, thanks to animal welfare group Happy Paws, who went knocking on the wild strays’ doors bearing Diwali gifts this year.
Chinmay Nakhwa presents a treat to a happy streetie in Navi Mumbai. PICS COURTESY/HAPPY PAWS
Paw Gift, an initiative by animal lovers Neha Nair and Chinmay Nakhwa, who run the Happy Paws shelter in the village, saw more than 50 boxes of eggs, chicken, a treat, and protective gear being distributed among the dogs. With some help from animal friends across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the number can soar higher soon.
“These strays don’t know what human touch feels like. They’ve never been cuddled, hugged, or fed before. Most animal welfare groups don’t dare to step into this sensitive area,” says Nair. Dog fights and fatal brawls over limited food resources are common, we learn. The most heartbreaking part, she says, is that the strays have grown to be terrified of humans. “When we saw their plight during our first visit to the area, we knew we had to give them a better life,” Nair recalls.
The gift box includes eggs, meat and a reflective collar
Unlike urban streeties that lap up treats, the strays of Belpada need some extra TLC. Living in and out of the thick mangroves, and along the wide highways, the dogs have grown distinctively wilder in the dog-eat-dog world. “Initially, we tried feeding them packaged treats that are a hit among city streeties. We soon realised that they needed something more nutritious and filling,” the co-founder reveals. The group has found a compassionate way to win the hungry hearts. “We sometimes hide behind trees, and throw cuts of chicken at the packs from afar. We’re slowly gaining their trust with every passing day,” she says.
Neha Nair and Chinmay Nakhwa
A well-fed stray does not mean a safe stray, and the duo knows it too well. “With the infrastructural metamorphosis in the recent past, human-stray conflicts have skyrocketed. The dogs often enter villages in packs, irking the residents who strike back,” Nair sighs. When they’re not paying the villagers a visit, you’ll find them along the heavy transport routes that pass through the neighbourhood; more often than not, dead.
“Every day, we see two to three hit-and-run cases along the road. Once injured, they usually retreat into the mangroves, where the wounds grow deeper. The reflective collars in the gift box will help minimise these accidents,” she adds. The duo insists that nipping the problem in the bud is the need of the hour, given that the nearest veterinary hospital is hours away, and pet ambulances charge hefty fees to reach the spot. “We’re trying our best with the resources at hand. Nearly 47 animals, including displaced goats and calves currently found shelter in the Happy Paws home this month,” Nair shares.
A group of puppies with their reflective collars (right) An injured stray recovers at the shelter
The ultimate goal, the founders share, is to control the stray population through ethical neutering. But getting there requires a combined effort from Mumbaikars and Navi Mumbaikars. Veterinarians, rescuers, care providers, and young volunteers can reach out to the group to contribute in monetary donations or in kind. “Our Diwali wish is to see the strays live safer lives. With soaring temperatures across the city, recently, we saw a few dogs sleeping in open drains to get respite. We hope to see them in a better place next Diwali,” Nair signs off.
AT Happy Paws, 2091, opposite JNPT Highway Road, Belpada, Navi Mumbai.
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