On the 25^th of March, 2017, Kalimpong Animal Shelter organised a camp at Kanke Bong, which is located in the district of Kalimpong. Kanke Bong is mainly inhabited by the local people living a simple lifestyle. Many there do not have access to the basic amenities of life yet they are happy with the least they possess. Most of them have reared domestic animals such as cattle, goats, and pigs for manure and farming purpose. Since the village depends mostly on agriculture, farming is important to them. Not only that, but they have also had other animals for companionship like cats and dogs. Despite the fact, they are busy with their day to day chores and farming, they never forget about the four-legged ones who are their companions. Most of the animals in Kanke Bong are prone to viral disease and quick remedies are not easily available. Being far from town the people there suffer due to lack of emergency treatment. The animal hospital Is out of reach for the locals when their animals fall sick. Usually, far off villagers have to travel long distances when health issues arise.

Every year, the mobile health camp is organised by the Government Veterinary Department running in conjunction with Kalimpong Animal Shelter. Since people largely depend on animals for farming and cultivation, and as source of income, a health check up for their animals is important to them. So, this year too, Kalimpong Animal Shelter organised a camp for the locals there where dozens of animals were neutered and, spayed without any charge. Along with that, large domestic farm animals were treated by the shelter staff making a few home visits. Most owners knew little about the animals’ treatment and surgery,so the KAS staff explained to them about the need for animal deworming and vaccination, and also handed to the owners some multivitamin syrups and deworming tablets.

It was a tiring day for the Vet-in-charge and the staff for there was ample cases of dogs and goats suffering from allergies, nausea, infestations, etc. Many dogs underwent surgery and also a few cats. All animals that were brought to camp got their anti-rabies vaccination and medicine, health cards and vaccine records cards were issued as well to the owners of respective cats and dogs. There were 20 dogs and one cat for anti-rabies vaccination, and 16 dogs were operated.

Yogita Chettri,
Publicity Officer,
Darjeeling and Kalimpong Animal Shelter

By the time the operation ended, dusk had fallen. The clock was ticking past, and owls were seen around giving signal of the day’s end. A late comer walked by and pleaded the Vet, to treat its kennel cough. The Vet, Dr.D.P.Pandey, a kind-hearted man prescribed the medicine and instructed one of the staff to give an intramuscular injection. The dog then looked at the Vet with teary eyes showing his pain which was difficult for the Vet to avoid. The shelter staff quickly packed up their bags watching the dusk fall, and the ambulance drove off with a loud honk. It was indeed a beautiful experience in adapting to the village life for a day and treating the Voiceless.

Yogita Chettri,
Assistant Manager,
Kalimpong Animal Shelter.