(LK) Nearly 4,000 dogs helped by Embark Sri Lanka

[Guest guest]

Embark, ODEL CEO Otara Gunewardene's personal community project aimed at

eliminating cruelty to animals with an emphasis on stray dogs, has to date

benefited more than 3,800 community dogs.

 

Thirteen campaigns conducted in Colombo and suburbs have resulted in 2,300

sterilizations, 387 vaccinations and 43 special treatments while the lives

of eight dogs have been saved under the project's 'Saving the Injured'

campaign. Another 48 animals are currently undergoing treatment under this

programme.

 

Additionally, more than 150 puppies rehabilitated off the streets have been

found homes under the 'Adopt a Street Pooch' campaign.

 

" Embark is clearly having a tangible effect on the welfare of community dogs

in the city, " Ms Gunewardene said. " Sterilization, treating the injured, and

re-homing the animals are an urgent need of the hour as there are numerous

concerns that arise from roaming dogs. "

 

Embark's sterilization campaign focuses on the safe neutering of strays and

pets to reduce their population while also educating the public on the

benefits of doing so. Campaigns are held every month over a period of four

to six days during which a team from the Embark funded group " Blue Paw

Trust " will go to different suburbs in Colombo. Embark has spent Rs. 4.3

million to date, on the 13 campaigns implemented.

 

The Adopt a Street Pooch Campaign works on re-homing strays with loving

families. All adoptions are followed up on in order to ensure they are

successful and that the strays are not abandoned. Puppies older than seven

months that need to be re-homed can be advertised on the Embark Website.

 

The 'Saving the Injured' Campaign is executed by a team of dedicated Embark

members - the Emergency Care Unit - which is on call to search, rescue and

treat injured animals.

 

Embark's 'Education and Awareness' campaigns aim at educating the public and

addressing their fears and ignorance regarding animal welfare. This is done

through street dramas, seminars, discussions and information distribution.

 

For its education campaigns, Embark has partnered with the Blue Paw Trust

and has been able to successfully conduct a number of Street Dramas

throughout Colombo. These dramas have proved extremely fruitful in a number

of areas as they have encouraged public participation while depicting how it

is possible to create a safe and hospitable environment for humans and

animals to co-exist together.

 

Currently, ODEL and Embark have established relationships with corporations

and animal welfare organizations and groups in several countries in the hope

of joining with them to create a strong force that will further animal

welfare awareness and bring together a global community of animal activists

to work towards a safer environment and a more loving and respectful

attitude for animals.

 

As a future initiative, Embark hopes to set up transit shelter for the

injured dogs that are rescued and saved through its 'Saving the Injured'

Campaigns, Ms. Gunewardene said. It is hoped that the 'Transit Shelter'

will provide a safe haven for them to recover and receive further treatment

until they are ready to be re-homed.

 

More info - www.embark.lk

 

Regards,

 

Ishan Fernando