Aurangabad, Dec 17:
Animal lovers and activists in Aurangabad are helping stray and abandoned dogs brave the winter. The Aurangabad Pet Lovers Association (APLA) under its unique initiative has made dog jackets for layering up their furry friends to keep them warm during the chilly nights.
With the temperature dropping lower every day, animal lovers and activists are making sure that stray dogs in their vicinity have an extra coat to help them brave the harsh winter. According to the association, during the winter season, the dogs would dig up the soil and sit in the small pit to warm themselves. However, now all areas have cement roads and paver blocks. Dogs can''t dig out the cement roads and thus shiver in the cold at night. With this in mind, the APLA made special jackets, especially for stray dogs, with neck-straps. All work is being done for free. Some stray dogs in Cidco N-4, N-1, Garkheda, Nathprangan, Gadiya Vihar, Mukundwadi areas are now wearing jackets made from rexine fabric. Meera Satpute, a resident of F-Sector, Cidco N-4, has put on these jackets on seven dogs. Satpute said, "On the first day, the dogs were not comfortable wearing the jacket. But in the next few days, the dogs got comfortable. The children in nearby areas also help in the task. If there is a jacket lying on the street, they bring the jacket back to her. An elderly woman in Mukundwadi area also puts on these jackets on 5 to 6 dogs in the area every day. Kishor Bagul and his friends from Gadiya Vihar are using these jackets on 8 to 10 dogs from their area. Harsh Cheke of Cidco N-1 said, "I put on these jackets on stray dogs in the area as it is freezing at night and in the morning. Warm clothing helps protect them from the cold."
Citizens must come forward
APLA president Berryl Sanchis said 1,000 belts made of radium had been made to make dogs visible at night. Out of which 800 belts were given to the municipal corporation. Also, 100 black jackets have been made, and now we are making 10 new red jackets for dogs, and they will be distributed free of cost. Citizens should put on these jackets on the domestic and stray dogs in their area.