KOLLAM: The stray dogs and cats in Kollam were a lucky lot on Thiruvonam day as they enjoyed a sumptuous feast provided by animal lover Bapputti. It is for the sixth consecutive year that he has fed stray dogs, cats and his pet eagle with Onam sadya along with a good number of cats and dogs that find shelter in Bapputti's rented house itself. More than 30 cats, nearly ten dogs and the eagle 'Bijli,' all of which were rescued from the streets, live in the small rented house of Bapputti who feeds them using the money he earns as a taxi driver.
He has also fed strays at various spots in Kollam. Bapputti, 51, of Kilikolloor has been rescuing and feeding wounded strays for the last 25 years. He also takes them home if they are incapable of living on their own. Bapputty, who bagged the state government's animal welfare award, arranged the feast for strays in banana leaf with nine varieties of side dishes and two payasams. The rice was mixed with chicken curry specially made for them.
"I gave them a feast because they are also the inheritors of earth. Humans are responsible for the stray dog menace which is a punishment for not doing the right things at the right time. By culling them, they are being punished for the crime they are doing unknowingly," Bapputti says. This unmarried man has dedicated his life for the welfare of strays. Many opposed him and he had to change several houses before he was helped by a lawyer, George Oommen, who gave him a room to shelter his strays in his own house at Kilikolloor. Bapputty finds helping strays as the way to salvation.
