Hoshiarpur animal shelter gives voiceless 2nd innings of life

Thirteen years ago, a young man with a compassionate heart nurtured a simple dream — to give every injured, abandoned or voiceless creature a safe place to live. That dream, once seen as impossible, now breathes life in the form of Voiceless 2nd Inning Home, an animal shelter at Bhawani Nagar, Hoshiarpur. Established in 2012 under the leadership of its founder president Naveen Grover, the shelter has become a haven for animals that cannot speak for themselves but deserve every ounce of care and dignity.

From cows to cats, bulls to birds, and even snakes, this shelter provides a second chance at life for all. Currently, the home looks after 20 bulls, eight cows, 70 dogs and two cats — each animal rescued from difficult situations, treated for their wounds, and offered food, water and safety. The shelter is not just about keeping animals alive; it is about giving them a new lease of life.

The journey began without even a roof over their heads. “At that time, there was only one dream — to provide shelter to every homeless animal,” recalls Kumar. Over the years, the dream grew wings. Today, the shelter stands as a recognised and respected centre of animal welfare in Hoshiarpur.

The rescue team of Voiceless 2nd Inning Home works round the clock, often risking their own safety. Their calls come at any hour — a cow lying injured after a road accident, a puppy that has accidentally fallen into a well, a bird hit by electric wires, or even a poisonous snake entering a residential area. The team ensures that no call goes unanswered. “Every life matters whether it is a street dog or a snake. Every creature deserves care,” Kumar says firmly.

Animal welfare here goes beyond immediate rescue. The shelter runs a unique ‘Jal Seva’ initiative, where large pots are placed at hundreds of locations stretching from Hoshiarpur city to the Himachal road leading up to the Punjab border. These pots are regularly filled with clean water so that no living creature — be it a stray dog, a bird, or even cattle — remains thirsty during the scorching summer months.

Another significant initiative is the dog sterilisation programme, through which hundreds of stray dogs in the city have been sterilised. This not only helps in controlling the growing population of street animals but also reduces conflicts between humans and strays. With fewer homeless dogs, the city’s streets are safer, and the animals themselves live healthier, disease-free lives.

The shelter has also become a key player in cow protection and animal safety. Illegal transportation of animals to slaughterhouses is a harsh reality, and the Voiceless 2nd Inning Home team has taken up the responsibility to prevent such cruelty. By rescuing animals in transit and ensuring strict legal action against smugglers, they stand as a shield between the innocent creatures and exploitation.

While the shelter has made remarkable progress in 13 years, Naveen Kumar and his team believe their journey has only begun. Their next ambitious step is to convert the shelter into a Veterinary Charitable Hospital, a 24x7 facility where every needy animal can receive free medical treatment. This hospital, if realised, will be the first of its kind in the region and a lifeline for countless voiceless beings.

Running such a shelter is not without challenges. From arranging fodder and medicines to managing the rescue operations, every day demands resources. Kumar appeals to society: “Be a part of this service — change the life of an innocent by donating, giving time, or even offering your love. Every small contribution brings us closer to a kinder world.”

As one steps inside Voiceless 2nd Inning Home, the sight is both heartwarming and humbling — dogs wagging their tails in gratitude, bulls peacefully chewing fodder, cows recovering from injuries, and cats curled up in comfort. Each of these lives tells a story of pain transformed into hope, of despair turned into dignity.

In a world where human needs often overshadow everything else, this Hoshiarpur-based initiative reminds us that compassion has no boundaries. The vision is simple yet powerful: “If we can give voice to the voiceless, we give meaning to our own humanity.”