PETA offers temple robotic elephant after live animal kills 2

In a horrific, but not unusual, incident on November 18, a temple elephant in Tamil Nadu trampled her mahout and a relative of the attendant to death. It is unclear what triggered the elephant’s anger. But the India chapter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has offered to gift a robotic elephant to the Subramania Swamy temple in Tiruchendur town in return for Deivanai’s release from custody and rehabilitation at a sanctuary, “where...

Court refuses custody of paralysed infant monkey to saviour vet

The Madras High Court refused last week to grant custody of a partially paralysed infant monkey to a Coimbatore veterinarian who had found it in a critical condition and cared for it for over 10 months, the Indo-Asian News Service reported. The case is a study of how the “rules” and the bureaucracy ensure that nothing, not even the welfare of an individual, an animal in this case, stand in their way. Rejecting the petition...

Growel Group enters pet food business with Carniwel

While some large Indian corporations such as Godrej Consumer Products Ltd have announced plans to enter the rapidly growing pet foods market, the Growel Group, a leader in aquaculture feeds, aqua healthcare, and the seafood processing industry since 1994, has stolen a march over them with their recent launch of the brand, Carniwel. According to a press statement from the company, the Carniwel brand, crafted with high-quality nutritious ingredients and manufactured entirely in India, falls...

Diwali special: 7 Indian films with animals in significant roles

Diwali is here, and it’s vacation time for most of the kids. While evenings are usually occupied by friends, games, and fireworks (for those who still like to set off a few), the rest of the day is available for other activities, including entertainment. Now, films with animals in significant roles—either leading roles in animated films or roles that help to move the narrative forward in live-action dramas—have been children’s favourites and family attractions over...

Diwali special: How to help your pets cope with fireworks

Fireworks are a common part of celebrations in India, especially around Diwali, but for many pets, they can be a source of extreme anxiety and fear. The sudden loud noises, bright lights, and vibrations are often overwhelming for them, especially dogs and cats, and cause acute stress. As their guardian, it is crucial for you to understand how fireworks affect animals and what steps to take to help them cope with the stress. Why pets...

Caiman young in toothpaste boxes seized at Bombay airport

Customs officers at Bombay’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj airport seized five caiman babies from two passengers who arrived on a Vistara flight from Bangkok, Thailand, late on Friday. The reptiles were found hidden in toothpaste boxes in the passengers’ cabin baggage. The reptiles, about 5-7 inches in length each, appeared to be dehydrated and distressed, according to a report from the Press Trust of India news agency. They were examined and treated by veterinarians from the...

World Rhino Day: Powerful beast still faces existential threat

Saturday was World Rhino Day. The rhinoceros, a powerful, majestic creature that is found in parts of southern Asia and Africa, is still threatened with extinction, impacting the stability of the five keystone species that play a crucial role in keeping our ecosystem and environment safe, according to a press release from luxury watchmaker Hublot, sponsor of Save Our Rhinos Africa and India, or SORAI, founded by former international cricketer Kevin Pietersen in 2018. According...

Wild Incubator Tech Program invites applications for funding round 2

The Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore, in partnership with the Ashraya Hastha Trust, a philanthropic organization based in Bangalore, has announced the second round of their Wild Incubator Tech Program. India’s unique biodiversity faces specific conservation challenges, necessitating the development of innovative, technology-driven solutions tailored to its distinct environmental and socio-economic contexts, the Centre for Wildlife Studies said. While leading scientists have historically used technology for biodiversity conservation in India, there remains a notable gap...

Boehringer Ingelheim ties up with Indian firm to reach Tier 2 cities

Boehringer Ingelheim India has entered into a strategic partnership with Vvaan Lifesciences Pvt Ltd to distribute its pet parasiticide portfolio in Tier 2 cities of the country. The collaboration, an initiative under Boehringer Ingelheim India’s animal health accelerated growth plan, marks a significant step in expanding the company’s reach and enhancing customer value in the animal health sector. India’s pet health market is currently worth around €115 million ($129 million, or Rs1,078 crore). According to...

Stray dog barking at odd hour helps woman escape clutches of would-be rapist

This little report is likely to bother those who hate stray dogs, keep complaining about their barking at odd hours, and want them removed, relocated, or destroyed. The barking of a stray dog in a deserted, unlit bylane in Vasai town, about 60 km from Bombay, well past midnight startled a would-be rapist long enough to enable his intended victim to escape from his grasp, according to the local police. The incident took place at...