Gangtok, Oct. 8 : A group of animal lovers including veterinarians from Australia and the US have volunteered to take care of stray dogs under the SARAH (Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health).

SARAH is a State-wide programme and includes a team of generous and dedicated volunteer veterinarians and veterinary nurses from Australia and other countries.

The programme’s objective has been to extend its services to stray dogs and cover areas across the Sikkim for last five years now.

The group is presently in Sikkim.

The Australian non-governmental organisation Vets Beyond Borders (VBB) is working in partnership with the Sikkim government and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to enable the project SARAH is a success.

The VBB volunteers constitute a diverse spectrum of veterinary professionals and animal lovers from all over the world.

"Vets Beyond Borders (VBB) is an Australian NGO which was started by veterinarians about five years ago and since then we have been working in Asia-Pacific region and our objective is to increase the level of veterinary care for specifically stray animals. But we are also keen to increase the level of veterinary care for all animals,” said Dr. Beth Mcgennisken from Australia, SARAH.

“We have been working in India in several different places in Sikkim, Ladakh, Bodhgaya and now we have a new training programme to start in New Delhi," said Dr. Beth Mcgennisken from Australia, SARAH, Dr. Beth added.

The team of the veterinarians feels that the impact of the programme is visible as now the people are taking interest in taking care of the animals.

"I think the programme is really helping the animal-human bond and helping people to understand the connection to dogs and cats and animals around them. I find that…and the people are really realising their bond and taking care of their pets and understanding the importance of taking care of the animals on the streets," said Dr. Jennifern Ingram from USA and a volunteer for SARAH.

Besides, other voluntary organisations for a such as Blue Cross of India, Frendicoes SECA, Delhi and World Expeditions have been donating in cash and kind to the projects undertaken by SARAH.

Presently, VBB volunteers are active with two ongoing projects in Sikkim and Ladakh, incidentally frequented by tourists from across the globe.

Further, VBB has been encouraging and offering ample opportunities for local people to contribute their mite in the cause of animal care.(ANI)