Stray Keepers Animal Welfare Foundation, founded by three young doctors to improve the lives of animals, continues to make a meaningful impact in Raipur through a series of compassionate, community-driven initiatives focused on the care of stray animals. The Foundation is led by Dr. Deepshikha Chandrawanshi (ENT Surgeon), Dr. Awantika Thakur (Anatomist) and Dr. Monika Singh Thakur (Ophthalmologist). Marking World Stray Animals Day, the Foundation organized an Essential First Aid Training Programme for Animals at Nukkad’s Bihan Cafe in Raipur. The workshop trained 40 participants, equipping them with practical skills in emergency response and primary treatment for stray and pet animals. Veterinary experts Dr. Major Naleen Sharma, Dr. Padam Jain, Dr. Santosh Adil, and Dr. Dolly conducted sessions on conditions such as hyperthermia, hypothermia, choking and poisoning. The speakers emphasized ethical practices in treatment while warning against common malpractices.

 

Adding a legal perspective, team member and lawyer Shaily sensitized attendees about laws pertaining to animal abuse. During the event, Dr. Deepshikha also introduced the NGO’s upcoming “First Aid Kit Programme,” aimed at making essential treatment kits accessible to rescuers. Co-founders Dr. Monika and Dr. Awantika spoke about the Foundation’s journey, and dedicated volunteers including Sagar, Tupendra, Shruti, Pradhyumn, and Vedika contributed in organizing the programme. Extending its outreach, Stray keepers participated in a nationwide reflective collar drive supported by The Better India and Pawsitivity. As part of the campaign, simultaneously conducted in cities like Jammu, Indore, Mumbai, and Pune, 300 stray dogs in Raipur were fitted with radium collars.

 

These QR-enabled collars improve visibility at night, helping reduce road accidents, while also enabling tracking of sterilization and vaccination records, crucial for better population and health management. To address the challenges of summer heat, the Foundation also carried out a water bowl and sakora distribution drive at Marine Drive, Telibandha. Free water bowls were distributed to caregivers and volunteers for installation in areas frequented by animals. The initiative aimed to prevent dehydration and heatstroke among community animals while encouraging public participation in animal care.