Peepal Farm: A decade of compassion for stray animals

Peepal Farm, a stray animal rescue and awareness organisation, has been dedicated to alleviating the suffering of speechless animals for the past 10 years. Operating from Dhanotu village in the foothills of Dhauladhar, Kangra district, the farm has become a beacon of hope for injured and ailing stray animals. Through rescue, treatment, and adoption efforts, the organisation has significantly impacted the lives of cows, oxen, and dogs in distress. Both animal lovers and government departments frequently seek Peepal Farm’s assistance in handling stray animal emergencies.

Beyond providing medical care, Peepal Farm has been actively working to create awareness about reducing animal suffering. Founded in December 2014 by Robin Singh and his wife Shivani, an animal activist couple from Delhi, the initiative began with the construction of a cowshed on their family’s land. By April 2015, Peepal Farm was fully operational in Kangra district, rescuing and treating injured stray animals in need of human intervention.

To expand its impact, the organisation established a veterinary clinic in 2021 and, in 2022, opened a sanctuary for permanently disabled animals. Today, Peepal Farm employs around 60 local residents, including two veterinary doctors who work at its veterinary hospital. The organization spends approximately Rs 10 lakh per month on salaries and other activities to sustain its operations.

In an interview with The Tribune, Robin Singh shared his philosophy: “Instead of living just because we are born, we want to live with a purpose. Involuntary physical suffering of stray animals is a curse, and reducing their pain is a noble mission. Through Peepal Farm, we aim to rescue, treat, and create mass awareness about the plight of these animals, inspiring others to do the same.”

Peepal Farm primarily operates within an 8-km radius, covering areas from Gaggal to Shahpur and Chambi to Garoh. However, in emergencies, people bring injured animals from as far as 100 km away. Despite its significant contributions, the organisation does not receive financial support from the state government. Instead, it relies entirely on donations from compassionate individuals, including children, housewives, and animal lovers from across the country.

Over the past 10 years, Peepal Farm has treated nearly 7,000 stray animals at its veterinary hospital, providing them with a new lease on life. Apart from medical treatment, the farm actively works on sterilisation programmes for female dogs and administers anti-rabies vaccinations to strays. From October to December last year, the farm rescued and treated 352 stray animals, sterilised 218 female dogs and continues to care for 70 stray animals at present.

Through relentless dedication, Peepal Farm has not only transformed the lives of countless animals but also inspired a community-driven movement to support and protect stray animals.