By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 12 Dec: The 2024 Gadhimai festival witnessed an unprecedented milestone in animal welfare with the rescue of 400 animals, making it the largest rescue operation at the festival to date. This extraordinary mission was driven by the collaborative efforts of the Bihar Government, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Vantara Animal Care Centre, and India’s largest animal welfare organisations like PFA PPF, People for Animals Uttarakhand (PFA UKD) and partner organisation, HSI (Humane Society International/India).
The Bihar Government and SSB played a pivotal role in intercepting smuggling operations at the border, curbing the illegal transportation of animals meant for sacrifice. Their proactive efforts set the stage for the rescue mission’s success.
Equally instrumental was Vantara Animal Care Centre, which rose to the occasion following an urgent call from Animal Rights Activist Gauri Maulekhi. Under exceptional circumstances, the team at Vantara promptly arranged for the pick-up and rehabilitation of most of the rescued animals, including buffaloes and goats. Their swift action ensured that the animals received immediate care and a safe haven.
Maneka Gandhi’s timely intervention also provided critical momentum to the mission. In a letter to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, she urged immediate action to stop animal sacrifice and prevent the smuggling of cattle from Bihar to Nepal. Her leadership and advocacy added significant weight to the rescue effort.
PFA PPF and HSI played a fearless role through their on-ground heroes, who carried out the rescue under challenging conditions and tight timelines, exemplifying the collective dedication of everyone involved in this historic operation.
This rescue was the culmination of years of advocacy and legal groundwork. Gauri Maulekhi’s
relentless efforts in securing Supreme Court directives against animal sacrifices and smuggling were instrumental in creating a framework for such interventions. These directives not only provided a legal basis for action but also set a precedent for future missions.
People for Animals Public Policy Fund (PFA PPF), under Gauri Maulekhi’s leadership, specialises in high-impact rescue operations and legal and policy advocacy for animal protection. People for Animals Uttarakhand (PFA UKD), based in Dehradun, serves as a sanctuary and rehabilitation arm, providing care for rescued equines, goats, sheep, cats, and hens. During this mission, PFA UKD welcomed 21 rescued goats to its Happy Homes Sanctuary, ensuring their long-term welfare.
The Gadhimai festival, held every five years in Nepal, has been historically infamous for large-scale animal sacrifice. In recent years, sustained advocacy by organisations like PFA PPF has significantly reduced these practices, promoting humane alternatives and raising awareness about animal rights.
This operation exemplifies the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment of individuals and organisations to animal welfare. It is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion and determination come together.
