(IN) The welfare of animals at Ammas Ashram

[Guest guest]

avis lyons <iarkerala wrote: Copy of letter to Amma regarding

welfare at her Ashram and letter from a visitor to the Ashram who was terribly

upset by her experience there.

 

Dear Madam,

 

We are a small, privately funded registered charity, based south of Trivandrum

and, primarily, engaged in carrying out the ABC/AR [animal birth control/anti

rabies] programme on the street and beach dogs in our area. In addition, we

provide a veterinary service for the local people who cannot afford to pay, as

well as dealing with numerous abandoned animals and cruelty cases.

 

Over the last few years we have seen a gradual change in the attitudes of the

local population and, whilst cruelty, neglect and ignorance are still

widespread, a growing respect for animals, particularly dogs, is apparent.

 

However, a great deal of our time is spent challenging local government which

prefers to, illegally, kill the street dogs rather than implement the ABC/AR

programme as directed by central government. We have a case against Trivandrum

Corporation on 4 September which has taken almost 2 years to get to court.

 

We give you this background information so that you will understand why we are

forwarding you a very disturbing email received recently from a German lady who

stayed at your ashram. As you will read, she was very distressed to discover

that the stray/feral cats and dogs in your ashram were not fed and some, one

kitten in particular, were in a pitiful condition. She has appealed to us to

help save the kitten and we have of course replied, offering it a home in our

sanctuary if she can arrange to have the animal transported here.

 

We are very aware of your compassion towards human beings and the outstanding

contribution you have made towards improving the living conditions of countless

impoverished people worldwide, but, as Albert Schweitzer said:-

 

" until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will

not himself find peace "

 

We therefore appeal to you to ensure that the animals within your ashram are,

at least, fed regularly.

 

We understand that you have had problems in the past with rabies.

 

If you implement the ABC/AR programme in the ashram, sterilising and

vaccinating the resident dog population, they will not only been healthy and

unable to produce more puppies but they will keep out other unvaccinated dogs so

your ashram will become a RABIES FREE zone.

 

Sterilisation of cats will of course mean that unwanted kittens are no longer

being born.

 

A healthy, friendly population of dogs and cats within the ashram would be an

asset to your community whereas hungry diseased animals must surely distress

many visitors, giving them a negative impression of your very worthy

organisation.

 

The email from Ms Lehrnickel will be forwarded immediately after this email is

despatched.

 

Regards

 

 

Animal Rescue Kerala

www.animalrescuekerala.org

 

 

Hello at the animal rescue,

 

I just came back from Amma´s Ashram and there was a tiny kitten, the only

one that could be touched. / it has the size of a rabbit when cuddled up. When

it stand it is about 20 centimeters high, tigered, in a light brown and it is

nearly starved to death. Only skin and bones.

 

Since a dog with rabies did bite a child at the ashram the animals there may

not be fed or touched. Even if I asked the devotees for help they wouldn´t help

me. The last night before flying home ( August 13th ) I had this kitten in my

lap were it slept in and cuddling up and it screamed when I had to take it away

because the taxi for the airport was waiting. It wanted to come with me. A

devotee tried to call the airline to find out if I can take it home, but it

failed.

 

I can´t forget about this kitten and it breaks my heart to leave it there. It

was my first trip to India by myself and I felt a little bit

helpless, but this last night a devotee told me of a woman which had founded

an animal shelter. I will have a picture of this kitten when the film is

developed if you need it. At the area are also two hungry dogs with more or less

of a skin disease and I saw a bigger cat, which cannot be touched. ( also in a

light colour )

 

I sincerly ask you to help me bring this kitten to Germany and I want to be

the owner of it !!!!. Of course I will pay the cost

if you have to stay at a place to trace it, for injections and papers, flight,

food and every other cost that occurs. I also will give a donation. It tore my

heart apart to leave it there. Normally you will find the kitten when it´s

dining time or Amma giving darshan. Mostly it will be seen at the western

cantine ( there will be western food, such as burgers and pizza ) close to the

bhajan hall and where Amma gives darshan.

 

Maybe it is not seen every day but it comes in regulary. ( I didn´t see it

for 2 days and I thought it is gone ) PLEASE DON`T LET IT DIE !! PLEASE Help me

and the kitten!!!!!!!!!.

 

Sabine Lehrnickel

Gemany