The incident was brought to the attention of Advocate Manish Saxena, OIPA International Representative in India, Director of the Wing of Research in Local Development (WORLD), Member of the State Animal Welfare Board of Rajasthan, Representative of the Animal Welfare Board of India, and Member of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Deeply concerned by reports indicating that hundreds of cows were found dead and left to decompose in a dumping yard, Advocate Saxena immediately requested official intervention and a legal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Condemning any form of animal cruelty and neglect, Advocate Saxena raised the matter with the State Animal Welfare Board of Rajasthan, urging authorities to investigate the suspicious deaths and identify any individuals or officials who may have been responsible for negligence or violations of animal welfare legislation.

Following his intervention, the Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Member Secretary of the State Animal Welfare Board of Rajasthan issued directives to the District Collector of Jaisalmer and the Chairman of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Jaisalmer District. The authorities have been instructed to conduct an immediate investigation and take appropriate legal action under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

In addition, the State Animal Welfare Board has directed local authorities to adopt stronger preventive measures aimed at avoiding similar incidents in the future and ensuring greater protection for animals.

OIPA ETS welcomes the prompt response of the authorities and commends the efforts of its representative and member league WORLD in seeking accountability and transparency in this case. The organization will continue to monitor developments and hopes that the investigation will establish the causes of the deaths and lead to appropriate action wherever responsibility is found.

The protection of animals requires not only effective legislation but also timely enforcement and oversight. Cases involving the death of such a large number of animals highlight the importance of vigilance, accountability, and cooperation between institutions and animal welfare organizations.

L'articolo India: OIPA Representative Calls for Investigation Following the Discovery of More Than 500 Dead Cows in Rajasthan proviene da OIPA.

Acting on behalf of OIPA, Advocate Saxena initiated legal action and submitted a formal complaint to the competent authorities, requesting a full investigation and legal proceedings under India’s animal protection laws.

The case gained international attention after images of the photoshoot went viral online, sparking widespread outrage. Chanchal, estimated to be around 65 years old, was entirely painted pink and used as a prop in a staged photographic session conducted by photographer Julia Buruleva. The incident triggered strong criticism from the public and animal welfare organizations, highlighting concerns over the use of animals for commercial and artistic purposes.

According to the findings reported, the elephant was deliberately used as a prop during the photoshoot, causing unnecessary suffering. Chanchal was protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and the incident may constitute a violation of both this legislation and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, which prohibits acts causing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals.

Following his intervention, Advocate Saxena coordinated with the State Animal Welfare Board of Rajasthan, which led to the issuance of official directives from the Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and the Member Secretary of the State Animal Welfare Board, Government of Rajasthan, to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Department. These directives call for a detailed investigation, the initiation of legal proceedings against the violators, and the strict enforcement of laws related to elephant welfare to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Approximately five months after the photoshoot, Chanchal died. While no confirmed link has been established between the incident and her death, the case has intensified concerns regarding the treatment of captive elephants used in tourism and entertainment.

This legal action represents a concrete step toward accountability and the prevention of animal cruelty.

OIPA strongly condemns this act of cruelty, emphasizing that such inhumane treatment cannot be tolerated in a civilized society.

This case stands as a reminder that animals are not objects for entertainment or exploitation—they are living beings deserving of utmost respect, compassion, and full protection under the law.

OIPA reiterates its firm position against the exploitation of animals for entertainment, tourism, or commercial purposes and will continue to monitor the case and advocate for full accountability.

L'articolo Justice for Chanchal – OIPA India initiates legal action against cruelty after elephant painted pink for photoshoot proviene da OIPA.

Wildlife plays a fundamental role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting the balance of nature. Yet today, countless species are facing increasing threats caused by habitat destruction, climate change, illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and the exploitation of animals for entertainment and tourism.

For this reason, the protection of wildlife is not only an environmental priority but also a responsibility toward a natural heritage that belongs to all humanity.

Combating the exploitation of wildlife

Across many parts of the world, wild animals continue to be exploited for profit. From wildlife trafficking and illegal hunting to the use of animals in tourist attractions, these practices cause immense suffering and contribute to the decline of already vulnerable species.

OIPA ETS is actively engaged in international campaigns aimed at combating the exploitation of wildlife and promoting respect for animals in their natural habitats.

Our initiatives focus on several key areas, including:

• opposing the use of wild animals in tourism and entertainment
• raising awareness about wildlife trafficking and illegal trade
• advocating against hunting practices that threaten endangered species
• supporting actions that prevent poaching and protect wildlife populations.

Through advocacy, education, and collaboration with local organizations, OIPA works to encourage more responsible policies and practices that prioritize the protection of animals and ecosystems.

A global network working for wildlife protection

Through its international network, OIPA collaborates with Member Leagues and representatives around the world to promote concrete initiatives for wildlife protection.

Many of these efforts take place in regions where biodiversity is exceptionally rich but also highly threatened. In Africa, several projects support conservation activities and the protection of endangered species, while in Asia OIPA and its partners work to raise awareness and address practices that exploit wild animals.

Protecting wildlife for future generations

Protecting wildlife requires long-term commitment, international cooperation, and increased public awareness.

Governments, organizations, and citizens all have a role to play in ensuring that animals can live in their natural environments free from exploitation and harm.

On World Wildlife Day, OIPA reaffirms its commitment to defending wildlife around the globe and working alongside its international network to promote a future in which animals are respected, protected, and allowed to thrive in the wild.

L'articolo World Wildlife Day: Protecting Wildlife Means Protecting Our Planet proviene da OIPA.

The Supreme Court on November 7 ruled that stray dogs will no longer be allowed on the premises of schools, hospitals, transport hubs or sports complexes, and directed that they be removed and relocated to shelters after sterilisation and vaccination.

The order, aimed at preventing dog attacks and improving safety in public spaces, has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights groups, who called it “impractical, inhumane, and contrary to national animal welfare law.”

Activists said the ruling violates the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which require sterilised and vaccinated dogs to be released back to the same area they were picked up from.

L'articolo Stray dogs in India are in big danger proviene da OIPA.

Sunish Subramanian Kunju, OIPA Maharashtra’s (India) representative, stated that upon rescue, it was observed that the cobra was in distress and unable to close its mouth. “It appeared that something was lodged inside, causing discomfort,” he said.

The snake was immediately taken to Dr. Manish Pingle, the wildlife veterinarian. Upon close examination and with utmost safety precautions, the cobra was manually restrained. Dr. Pingle discovered that a decaying rat skull, including bony remains, was stuck deep in the snake’s mouth and food pipe, preventing it from functioning normally.

“The skull and decomposing material were carefully extracted using forceps. The entire oral and esophageal area was flushed with normal saline to ensure it was clean and to prevent any infection,” said Dr. Pingle.

After the successful procedure, the cobra regained normal movement and showed signs of recovery. It was later safely released back into its natural habitat after informing the Forest Department, as per protocol.

The timely intervention and teamwork between alert citizens, rescuers, and veterinary experts highlight the importance of rapid response and public cooperation in urban wildlife conservation with the support of the Forest Department.

L'articolo OIPA Maharashtra’s activities: the team rescued a trapped cobra from a likely demise proviene da OIPA.

After receiving information from animal welfare activists and members of local associations of alleged illegal relocation of stray dogs in Bhubaneswar, our OIPA representative in Odisha, who is also Member of the Odisha State Animal Welfare Board, has immediately submitted a report of complain to the municipal corporation.

A capturing team has been sighted to catch healthy dogs with their puppies and inhumanely kept in kennels without food and water for relocating them outside the city.

According to national law street dogs cannot be beaten, killed, driven away, displaced or dislocated. The relocation of stray dogs is an offense under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and a violation of the directions of the Supreme Court of India. Stray dogs can be caught only for sterilization and vaccination, or if they suffer from rabies or aggressive behaviours, always in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India, and once treated they must be returned back to their original locations.

It has been requested the Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipality and the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Khordha to investigate the episode and take appropriate action as per provision of the law.

Read the letter of complain: Oipa Odisha complain

L'articolo OIPA IN ODISHA SUBMITS A COMPLAIN FOR ILLEGAL DOG RELOCATION BY MUNICIPAL CORPORATION BHUBANESWAR proviene da OIPA.

A brief update from our young volunteer and representative in Sangrur, a district in the state of Punjab in northern India.

Aisha is lovingly feeding and taking good care of some stray puppies in Malerkotla, her native village, and she has started an informative campaign in Dulma approaching villagers with farm animals. She tries to make them understand the importance of caring about the welfare of their animals, also through some daily and easy expedients. She suggested to cover all containers where water for animals is usually stored in order to avoid contamination and she advised some families to enhance animals’ hygiene conditions by cleaning them on regular intervals and keeping their area washed, cleaned and dried.

In certain villages, volunteers work hard to inform and educate people from the very basis on good animal welfare practices to help improve animals’ conditions and lives in their country.

Thanks Aisha!

L'articolo YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN SANGRUR PROMOTES ANIMAL WELFARE proviene da OIPA.

OIPA is thrilled to celebrate a dream that finally came true. On 19 May 2023, our awareness content producer in Maharashtra Mr. Vishal Prakashji Sakhala inaugurated his animal rescue & rehabilitation center, after years of dedication, efforts and sacrifices made to realize a place where animals can find care and safety.

Veersevak Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Center has been operative for two years. At the beginning of the journey, the center consisted in one single room where Vishal fostered rescued animals, later it became an entire flat for the same work, then with a number of increasing cases and requests for help he started looking for a bigger space coming up with a full shelter. At the shelter, there is an operating room, an outpatient department, a recovery area for cows, dogs, cats, puppies and a special section for injured animals. To date, the shelter has successfully completed 150 adoptions of strays, treated severe tumour cases and recovered many animals from the worst conditions. They look after stray animals in Lonavala through rescue, treatment and recovery, realising them back to their place after recovery or getting them adopted if suitable to live in family. Shelter’s team travelled to Mumbai, Pune, Nagar, Shirur and Solhapur to bring adopted puppies to their new families. The team tries to work at its best driven by the mission to give voiceless animals a better life. The shelter counts only on a few minor donations right now, and sometimes costs are covered by Vishal and the team. Their aim is to grow to serve animals in need even better.

The inauguration day has been a real success! Many visitors and celebrities where there to celebrate. During the event, a new project has been announced: the creation of an animal rescue ambulance! We congratulate again with our dear Vishal and we thank him for making OIPA part of this dream!

Let’s save the strays of India. 

L'articolo INAUGURATION OF VEERSEVAK ANIMAL RESCUE & REHABILITATION CENTER IN LONAVALA, INDIA proviene da OIPA.

L'articolo OIPA MAHARASHTRA, ACF AND PAWS MUMBAI CELEBRATE MAKAR SANKRANTI WITH AN INITIATIVE TO PROTECT BIRDS proviene da OIPA.

L'articolo FREE ANTI RABIES VACCINATION DRIVE FOR STRAYS AT MULUND, MUMBAI proviene da OIPA.