In testing times, she is out to feed strays

Neha Saini

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 9

57-year-old Kiran Kanojia, a resident of Pawan Nagar, sets out every morning with a bag full of biscuits, packets of bread and animal feed to find the destitute and hungry strays in every corner of the city.

Determined Kanojia, who has been working as one of the members of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals, walks to different areas every day to feed dogs, birds and stray cattle as the lockdown has hit them hard.

“These strays used to normally feed on the left overs of restaurants and food joints. But since the lockdown, they don’t find much food or have to eat garbage. I bring food for them so that they survive the lockdown without having to starve,” said Kanojia.

She starts her day by going to the homes of volunteers, who give her food for animals. “I make sure that I collect the food door-to-door, ensuring complete health protocol as per the Covid advisory. I have been helped by several young volunteers of Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals, who do the same work and feed stray animals in different areas in the city. I walk usually to regular stray spots with food and water for them,” she said.

Kanojia has been always an animal lover. “Since my childhood, I used to take care of animals whether it was my pet or strays. They need our help and care in this tough time as much as we humans do. Sometimes, I get help from police officers who are generous enough to drop me back home after a tiring day,” she added.

She said it would be better if the administration made feeding strays as an essential service. Thereafter, many other volunteers would be able to take care of these unfortunate animals.