India is home to a large number of street animals. It is estimated that there are over 50 million street dogs in India. According to data, between November 1 and December 31, 2015, around 1,115 injured dogs were rescued from the roads in Chennai City following accidents. There are so many more animals of course, who do not even have a chance to be rescued and simply die on the roads. The situation is similar across all towns and cities in India.
In an effort to reduce the number of street animals who are mowed down by vehicles, especially during the night hours when visibility is a major challenge, People For Cattle in India (PFCI), has started an initiative to put reflective collars on Dogs in partnership with Royal Canin, These collars consist of a reflective cloth stuck on a nylon tape which reflects the lights coming from vehicles thereby helping motorists to spot the Dog.
Arun Prasanna G, founder of the PFCI said that the group has around 200 volunteers in the city and that they are all familiar with the local stray Dogs. These people will be engaged in putting collars on these Dogs. PFCI will be conducting a reflective collar program in each locality every weekend to protect maximum Dogs.
He added that since the Covid-19 pandemic, many people had volunteered to feed stray Dogs in their areas which has led to them developing a personal bond with these animals. Arun said that this camaraderie will be used for putting reflective collars around their necks. They will rope in resident association office-bearers for this project. Dimple. J, a Member of PFCI is coordinating this initiative.
