Love rescuing pooches? Vets Beyond Borders and SARAH programme offer a six-day course to train Good Samaritans in humane rescue methodologies
"Look at the dog—its ears are up, tail is hiding between the hind legs, muzzle seems tense...these are all signs of defensive aggression." This kind of deep understanding of canine behaviour and body language is one of the vital components of the 'Art of humane dog handling' course offered by Vet Beyond Borders (VBB) and Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH).
For the six-day residential programme, facilities include three meals, training material, uniforms and accommodation. During the first half of the course, master trainers deal with topics such as understanding compassion and its importance in handling of dogs, myths about dogs, dog psychology, energy types, body language and interpretation, cultural outlook towards hounds and so on.
During the second half practical aspects are explained, such as safety measures, how to connect with dogs, tools and methods to be used (demonstrated through video tutorials) and debates surrounding them. Trainees are also given monitored, hands-on experience in rescuing and taught how to involve local communities, and gain their trust and support.
"In India, rabies is a big issue, and animal welfare poses a challenge, but skill and expertise in the field is very low. Therefore, SARAH programme-Sikkim government, Vets Beyond Borders, Foundation Brigitte Bardot and AWBI (The Animal Welfare Board of India) came together to fill this gap."
It took several years to formulate the programme, for which inputs on challenges, best practices and experiences were taken from several individuals, organisations including FIAPO (Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisation) and NGOs like Blue Cross of India as well as others working towards rescue and rehabilitation.
"At the heart of our programme is the handling of dogs with care," says Thinlay Bhutia, Programme Coordinator and Deputy Director/SARAH Division Dept. of AH, LF & VS, Government of Sikkim. And to combat issues like lack of respect for handlers typically called 'dog catchers', the course also aims "to change the nomenclature to humane dog handlers. There are big opportunities for this work, especially in metros, but as most people consider it dirty work, it's very difficult to get people willing to take it up full time."
For this reason, the course also works on the confidence and pride of those working towards this cause. A few years ago, when the course was conducted on AWBI's request, it proved equally useful for managers, veterinarians and para-vets. It has been reported that Dr Bhutia's work with SARAH has brought an end to the mass shooting of dogs in the area and simultaneously reduced the street dog population to a manageable size, leaving fewer puppies in distress.
AWBI plans to get VBB to offer this course on a grand scale again, but dates are yet to be decided. Meanwhile those keen on pursuing it can write to thinlay@vetsbeyondborders.org for further information.
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