A Birthday Wish to Help Animals in India

Ingrid Newkirk, President of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has started a Causes Birthday Wish.  Below is a guest post from PETA about Ingrid’s Wish.

One of the more common sights in India is that of a bullock trudging along in the heat, straining under a heavy yoke to pull an overloaded, poorly balanced cart. These gentle animals often suffer from dehydration, untreated sores, muscle strain, depression, and even beatings.

One such animal was Parineeta, a donkey who had been used for many years to carry building materials for railway tracks. Parineeta was found one day lying on the ground in pain with a broken leg.

That’s when Animal Rahat (relief)—a program dedicated to helping India’s working animals—sprang into action. Parineeta was quickly treated by the organization’s veterinarians and given the nutritious food and loving attention that she had likely never seen before. Today, Parineeta is no longer forced to carry heavy loads as she spends the rest of her days living as a “lady of leisure” at the Animal Rahat retirement home for working animals.

Parineeta’s story is just one of many that show how Animal Rahat is improving the lives of India’s working animals. A special message from Ingrid E. Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), follows:

Dear Reader,

I mark another birthday this month (June 11). I will invariably be offered gifts that I don’t need, so I’m asking my friends who care—and who want to make a gesture—to help me raise $5,000 for Animal Rahat’s lifesaving efforts on behalf of working animals like Parineeta. These bullocks are dear to my heart, and a gift from you to help them will give me joy because I know the extent and intensity of their suffering and need.

I helped found Animal Rahat to provide some measure of relief to the countless bullocks, donkeys, and other working animals in India who might otherwise never receive the veterinary care and compassion that they so desperately need. From the program’s first treatment station, which was launched in 2003, Animal Rahat has grown to provide vital services to animals throughout three districts in Maharashtra, one of the largest and most populous states in India. The program is run by a dedicated team of veterinarians, their assistants, animal caretakers, and a full-time community educator. All of Animal Rahat’s veterinarians are on call for emergencies and advice around the clock, every day of the year.

Won’t you help make my birthday wish come true by providing “relief’ for India’s working animals?