The Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) will hold the Woofs and Hoofs Carnival at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in Bombay on February 25, 2017. All people and dogs are welcome! Animal loving celebrities will be there to support the cause. Over 3,000 people including children attended last year’s event, with several dogs, notes an email received from the BSPCA.
The BSPCA, including the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals, was established in 1874 and has over the years provided dedicated service to sick and injured animals. Nearly 10,000 animals — including birds, snakes, pigs, cattle, donkeys, cats, dogs, etc — are treated annually, with 300-400 inpatients. Cruelty to animals is controlled by BSPCA inspectors and social workers who spread awareness through educational programs. New initiatives include a cardiac center, intensive care unit, blood bank, animal birth control center, electric crematorium and shelter for destitute animals among others. Since the BSPCA does not receive government funding, it is dependent on donors and well-wishers for all its needs.
The BSPCA is helmed by solicitor Dara Mehta, president, Sir Dinshaw Petit, vice president with chartered accountant Russi Davar and senior counsel Jamshed Cama as trustees. On the executive committee are solicitor Homa Petit and photographer Fram Petit, while Kamal Mulla, Soonu Davar, Thrity Guzder and Kamal Tata serve on other committees.
The carnival is an opportunity to expose children to the importance of animals in the eco-system, to encourage them to be kind, helpful and compassionate. There will be many stalls of nongovernmental organizations, fresh food, entertainment for children and shopping for adults, the email concludes.