Anti-Rabies drive at the Biggest Tibetan Settlement in India

TVA organized a 10 day Anti-Rabies program headed by Mr. Monlam Lobsang at the Biggest Tibetan Settlement in India from July 14 to July 23, 2008. TVA vaccinated 1211 and treated 37 animals during the program.

 Despite its tight budget and limited resources, TVA has so far vaccinated 2061 dogs. This was possible due to the hard work and efforts of its volunteers. TVA tries to cut down on the program costs by arranging facilities like accommodation, transport vehicle etc for Free from friends and families so that the money thus saved can be used to buy medicines and vaccines. Also with great effort the Veterinary doctors are arranged for free. Two New posters to educate people about rabies were also distributed this time.

TVA ought to express its deepest gratitude towards a person (we call her Ama la which means ‘Dear Mother’ in Tibetan) who made this project possible with her generous donation of $2,000 USD and her strong interest in the project. Her encouragements and support has helped us bring smiles to thousands of animals around us. Ama la actually requested TVA not to mention her name anywhere which is a true expression of her modesty but after such a great success, it would be unfair not to mention or acknowledge the contribution of the person who made all this possible.

TVA also would also like to thank

1. The Representatives of Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement for providing a Van with a driver.
2. Mr. Tashi Wangdue la, Representative of Lugsam Samdupling Tibetan Settlement for his special interest in the project and continued encouragements & support throughout the program.
3. Mr. Dhundup la, Secretary of Sakya Monastery, Bylakuppe for giving 80% discount on lodging.
4. Mrs. Pema Lhamo (SOS School teacher) and Mrs. Tsering Paldon for giving a space in their hearts and their house for our volunteers.
5. Volunteers Mr. Penpa Tsering and Mr. Wangyal for their hard work.
6. Drivers Mr. Penpa and Mr. Lodoe for his dog catching skills.

Whether we accept it or not, animals are a part of our community and since animals can't take care of themselves, it is our moral responsibility to take care of these innocent beings. At times when epidemic strike on these animals, we should not abandon them or kill them rather this is the time when they need our love, compassion and help as much as we needed theirs when they were cute and healthy.

Please join us in our fight against rabies by donating today. The money you spent on buying a pizza (around $4  or Rs.160/-) can save the lives of eight dogs from rabies.

'We CARE' is an initiative of Tibetan Volunteers for Animals (TVA). Started on October 4, 2007 the program aims at making communities Rabies-Free and also treating sick and injured animals. There are many unregistered cases of Rabies in the Tibetan Settlements and most of the times these rabid dogs are beaten to death by the local people.

TVA is a registered non-government and a non-profit organization based in Mysore, India; managed and run by a group of young Tibetan activists determined to make a difference.

We CARE Anti-Rabies Program Bylakuppe Statistics:

**the numbers include both Stray and Pets