Preventing a Public Health Emergency:
Auroville Dog Shelter & AVI USA In Action
On August 19, 2024, AVI USA received an urgent message from the Auroville Dog Shelter, our Auroville partner. After a week of tracking down a few dogs that appeared unwell, it appeared that Auroville and surrounding villages were at risk of a rabies outbreak.
The Auroville Dog Shelter swiftly developed a mass vaccination program designed to avert the situations. However, they faced a critical challenge: there were no rabies vaccines in stock and no funds available to purchase them.
With time running out, crowdfunding or seeking donations was not an option. And the official administrative bodies were not in a position to release funding without going through a lengthy proposal and assessment process. The Dog Shelter was in a precarious situation as they scrambled to address the situation. AVI USA was able to respond to the call, sending the funds by international wire transfer within 24 hours. The Auroville Dog Shelter soon had not only rabies vaccines but also multi-vaccinations. These protect animals from seven different viruses, including rabies, canine distemper, and Parvo, ensuring broader protection for the dog population and helping to avert a potential health crisis in the region. All vaccinations began the following day.
The Auroville health scare had started a few weeks before, when three aggressive dogs were reported in and around the Auroville grounds. The Auroville Dog Shelter was on call, and was able to collect and quarantine all three dogs. The test results for all three came back positive for rabies. In Auroville bioregion, rabies vaccination is often left to individual families, with some dog owners bypassing the safety measure. The uneven state of rabies vaccinations in the Auroville bioregion is due to a combination of high costs, limited access to vaccines, and a lack of sufficient information. Additionally, with only a few dogs sterilized, the rapid increase in the number of puppies continues to pose new health risks, further straining resources.
It was highly unusual to see three affected dogs in Auroville within the span of a week. As the dog population grows, sometimes the vaccinations lag behind. The local shelters or veterinary offices address emergencies, but this time, the alarm bell rang in Auroville.
Auroville Dog Shelter and Friends During the Vaccination Drive
The Auroville Dog Shelter’s new leadership has emphasized collaboration with local official animal care institutions since their inception in early 2023. They have focused on rebuilding relationships within the Tamil animal care community. Their early efforts focused on the infrastructure of the shelter, as well as finding qualified staff and volunteers. This work led to their ongoing collaboration with Mettupalayam Veterinary College and building relationships with the Department of Animal Husbandry of Tamil Nadu, and their director, Dr. Latha.
As the funds from AVI USA arrived, the Auroville Dog Shelter was able to put the vaccination plan in motion. The Auroville Dog Shelter followed protocol by promptly informing the Department of Animal Husbandry about the confirmed rabies cases. Thanks to their partnership with Mettupallayam Veterinary River College, established through a MoU(Memorandum of Understanding) in July, veterinary students were assigned to assist the shelter in managing the crisis. The World Health Organization recommends that 70% of dogs and cats in any given area must be vaccinated to effectively contain the rabies outbreak and mitigate further risks.The Mettupalayam College veterinary students, already familiar with the dogs and the shelter, appeared in shifts to help with the vaccinations. Local veterinarians joined in, such as Dr. Vinoth, vaccinating dogs in an expanding radius outside Auroville, from dawn to dusk.
Many villagers and Auroville residents were delighted by the opportunity for free vaccinations and eagerly brought their pets to see the veterinary doctors. For many animals, this was their first time receiving treatment, so the Auroville Dog Shelter also provided deworming, as well as care for skin problems, wounds, infections, and other health issues. In addition, a comprehensive study and database of the canine and feline populations in the area was created, forming the foundation for a future mass sterilization program.
Since its inception in April 2023, the Auroville Dog Shelter’s new leadership has prioritized collaboration with local and state animal care institutions. They have worked to rebuild relationships within the Tamil Nadu animal care community, establishing partnerships with prominent organizations like “People for Animals.” This has facilitated ongoing cooperation with the Tamil Nadu Welfare Board, Mettupalayam Veterinary College, and the Department of Animal Husbandry, under the leadership of Dr. Latha, all of which are crucial in advancing animal welfare and care in the region.
The Auroville Dog Shelter is continuing its free mass vaccination program for as long as vaccine supplies last. A mobile vet clinic is set up weekly in front of Solar Kitchen, and the shelter is also conducting targeted home visits for pet owners who request vaccinations. This ongoing effort ensures broader coverage of the community and supports the health and safety of both animals and residents in Auroville and surrounding areas.
The Auroville Dog Shelter prioritizes the wellbeing of both the canine population and the broader community of Aurovilians, villagers, and their pets. Their collective approach is crucial in preventative care for all dogs in the area.. With 300 dogs in their care at any given time, the shelter’s dedicated work and community-focused efforts have become a source of inspiration for many. Through collaboration and compassion, they continue to safeguard the health and safety of all living beings in the region.
AVI USA deeply values our relationship with the Auroville Dog Shelter and we were happy to be able to join in the efforts to stem this community emergency. We are looking forward to closer and richer collaborations in the future.