Thiruvananthapuram: Charitable organisation People for Animals (PFA) Thiruvananthapuram chapter’s shelter home has been functioning on the outskirts of the city, at Valiyarathala in Malayinkeezhu panchayat since 2007 on a 1.5 acre land. However, over the last several years the PFA authorities are facing hardships from locals who are alleging that the facility is creating pollution. At the same time, paucity of funds to run the PFA is also causing a headache for office bearers. At present, there are around 700 dogs, 150 puppies, 50 cats and 30-40 kittens. There are seven staff members which includes a veterinarian and a para medical staff to take care of the shelter members. Local population who are allegedly belonging to the Congress are trying to ensure that the animal shelter is closed permanently.
On Wednesday, a health inspector from the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation inspected the shelter home and advised them to erect fencing atop the six feet existing wall following protest by locals. Indira Latha, a trustee of PFA told this newspaper that she is expecting to incur an expenditure of Rs 1.5 lakh-Rs 2 lakh to erect the fencing, which she is clueless how they will raise.
“It is difficult to meet the daily requirements of the scores of dogs, puppies and kittens here. When that’s the case, how can we think of erecting the fencing now? Somehow we have to do it or where can these animals go?” asked Latha. Adoption drive for puppies and kittens are held at Shangumugham beach every Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm which has been attracting lots of animal lovers. PFA ensures that they provide free sterilisation for the animals being adopted.
However, sadly they prefer to take puppies and kittens who are three months old and not beyond that. It is they who end up staying at shelter home forever. “We require Rs 2 lakh to meet the monthly expenses and are surviving on public donations only. Our 10 – 15 active volunteers go and collect food from hotels and clubs. Apart from that, we require 800 kilos of rice per month and 15 kilos of meat every day. We are hoping some Good Samaritans will come forward to revive the PFA,” said Sreedevi S. Kartha, a full time PFA member.
