Anant M. Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries and founder of Vantara, has launched ‘Champions of Care’, a new initiative aimed at strengthening community animal welfare across India. The initiative was announced on World Animal Day at Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Champions of Care brings together more than 50 animal welfare organisations from across the country. These organisations care for community dogs, cats and large animals, while also operating veterinary hospitals, mobile rescue and veterinary services, shelters and long-term care facilities.
The initiative is based on the principle that community animals should have access to care, protection and dignity. Its focus includes animals living on the streets, abandoned and working animals such as cattle, donkeys and horses, and animals rescued after injury, neglect or abandonment.
According to the initiative, around 2 million animals could be reached and supported every year through veterinary treatment, rescue, shelter, feeding and long-term care. Community dog and cat population management, including animal birth control programmes, is also part of the broader approach.
The programme will provide support based on the needs identified by participating organisations. This could include animal housing, ambulances and mobile services, rescue equipment, diagnostic and treatment equipment, training and capacity building, and facilities for lifelong care.
Infrastructure support will also cover measures such as solar power systems, rainwater harvesting and improved drainage. Some organisations are also seeking support for education and awareness programmes and quarantine and disease-management facilities.
A key part of the initiative is collaboration. Vantara and the participating animal welfare organisations have signed a Letter of Understanding to establish a framework for knowledge sharing, capacity building and practical support. The participating organisations were also presented with Certificates of Appreciation recognising their work in animal welfare.
Champions of Care is expected to expand its network in the coming years, bringing more organisations into a national platform for community animal welfare. The initiative extends Vantara’s ‘Every Life Matters’ approach beyond the animals under its direct care to animals supported by welfare organisations across India.
