|
' We are ready to die for animals’ - Vansmith Animal Foundation (VSAF)
The ailing leopardess at Veer Jijamata Udyan has found saviours and friends in Vandana and Smith who head the Vansmith Animal Foundation (VSAF) and prefer to be known as VanSmith. The duo have been in the forefront trying to thwart attempts of the animal from being administered euthanasia.
Vandana is pursuing a doctorate in History while Smith practises Law. During a visit to the Afternoon House yesterday, VanSmith spelt out the VSAF’s cause.
About VSAF…
“VSAF got registered this year. But we have been fighting against cruelty to animals since 1990. We are also for the welfare of animals. I used to live in Naval Colony in Mumbai. In 1990, I was angered when Admiral S. Tandon ordered that he would not allow any animals to enter any naval premises. The order was so strict that we had to do away with our pets at home. This really agitated us because we have been having dogs at home since ages. Since then we are against cruelty to animals.”
Devoting time to VSAF
“We cannot fully devote time to VSAF. We are against working professionals and whenever we get time, we try to visit our Ballard Estate office, where we have 62 dogs. We try to feed them and then see, if they have any health problem.”
Killing of pigs in 2003
“In 2003, BMC said ‘it is civilised to kill animals’. They ordered the killing of pigs because of the spread of some disease. We then wrote to S Shrivastav who was the Municipal commissioner at that time. We didn’t receive any response from him. We even wrote to the then Governor Mohammad Fazal. This was really tiring that people in this city can be so cruel to animals.
We haven’t looked back since then. We have been fighting for welfare of animals.”
Not against PETA
“We are not against PETA and its members. But we don’t like the way they work. They have an international support and so have funds too. But they don’t have even a single ambulance with them. When you call them for a particular animal-related issue, they will refer you to some other people. But they won’t take responsibility of the animals. They make a hue and cry over
various issues.”
About Laxmi
“We contacted many corporates in the city for helping Laxmi. But everyone suggested mercy killing for the animal. But we don’t want Laxmi to die. She has a right to live. Now, when Ratan Tata has agreed to help the animal, everyone including BMC, BVC and other government bodies are interested in saving her. It shows what kind of attitude our government has. What has the government done for Laxmi?”
Future plans of VSAF…
“We are looking out for an ambulance and a shelter so that we can accommodate as many animals to protect them. We would like people to call us about problems faced by any animals and we will try our level best to get to the animals and help them. We can just say that we are ready to die for animals.”
Vansmith Animal Foundation (VSAF) can be contacted: 022-22641696
URL- http://www.cybernoon.com/DisplayArticle.asp?section=fromthepress&subsection=inbombay&xfile=August2006_inbombay_standard10515 | 
