Uma Shetty, 22, has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the four-legged strays on city roads for the past six years.
Uma Shetty lives in a 120 sqft hut with fiver other family members, but there is always room for any stray animal in need of shelter.
Though she is only 22, Shetty has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the four-legged strays on city roads for the past six years. "At a very early age, I realised the plight of homeless and speechless. Living in a hut, I know the importance of having a rood over your head," she said. "I witnessed number of animal cruelty incidents that used to leave me disturbed. Hence, I took up the job of rescuing and helping the strays," she added.
Recently, Shetty rescued seven puppies who were packed in a sack and dumped in a dustbin near JJ Hospital. The pups were then taken to a dog shelter: HELP Animals and Birds Hospital for care and adoption. (dna reported this story in its July 14 edition). Talking about Shetty's dedication, Jayesh Shah of HELP Animals & Birds Hospital said: "She (Shetty) paid for the private ambulance that came to rescue the puppies even though I had offered to pay for it. She has been selflessly helping the strays in distress."
Shetty works as a domestic help at four households and manages to earn Rs 6,000 ever month, but this has never stopped her from extending a helping hand. "Currently, I have 10 dogs and three cats. Due to the space constraint in my house I couldn't afford more. I feed around 25 strays every day after my work and the satisfaction I get from it cannot be explained in words," said Shetty.
She also pointed out the lack of animal medical stores. "Every time I need to by medicines I am forced to visit BSPCA hospital in Parel. There are a few more but their number is not enough. More medical stores should be set up so that animals can get timely medical attention," said Shetty.
The 22-year-old is also of the view that number of animal haters has increased in recent time. "Talking about my area, there is a group of six guys, who beat the dogs with wooden sticks. They travel on motorbikes, hence getting hold of them gets difficult. I am unable to understand the motive behind their inhuman act. A criminal case can be registered with the police under section 503 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and an immediate arrest can be made without any warrant under this act," she said.
Shetty also confesses that she has been threatened and discouraged by many in her pursuit to feed the strays.
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