Animal Rahat (AR) has done it again by providing more than 100 animals in need with free veterinary services at the Siddeshwar Fair this year. This annual bullock bazaar draws thousands of working animals from all over the state of Karnataka, and many have suffered greatly in the journey to the fair. AR veterinarians and staff members closely monitored the event for medical emergencies while educating attendees about animal-welfare issues and stopping outright abuse.

AR first had to obtain permission from the police and the temple trustees. Then staff members met with the municipal water corporation to set up seven safe, clean drinking sites for animals and made banners with educational messages that were displayed throughout the grounds.

The vets and scouts often spot bullocks suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and yoke wounds. At the fair, AR staff identified animals in need and treated them immediately for everything from digestive issues to eye injuries, lameness, stress, and maggoty wounds. AR staff provided medical aid to an astounding 120 bullocks this year. The barbaric practice of horn rasping (painfully shaving layers of horn off so that a horn appears healthier and the bullock looks younger) was curbed, with only one case identified, compared to 29 in 2013—and rasping tools were confiscated.

Via loudspeaker, AR staff and volunteers spread awareness of the cruelty of torture devices such as barbed-wire spikes, painting horns with toxic oils, and overloading carts. They urged fairgoers to provide worn-out or sick animals with rest and to hitch equal-sized bullocks to carts. They also held meetings to discuss welfare issues, including timely vaccinations, clean water, sheds, and controlling disease.

The poster gallery was a huge hit, drawing around 800 visitors this year!

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