Over the eventful years since inception, PFA has been through moments of pride, elation, sorrow and at times, failure too. They are the stepping stones that made PFA a powerful presence in the field of animal welfare in Thiruvananthapuram.
Sterilization and vaccination for homeless dogs:
PFA pioneered the first sterilization drive that took place on 5/2/1997 in Oruvathilkotta School. Initially, only thirteen animals were spayed and vaccinated in a day, but it helped to turn what was considered an impractical idea into a reality. PFA has constantly acted as a pressure group to introduce mass sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs in the city.
Relocation of monkeys at Sasthamkotta temple
In 1999, a Court ruling was issued that the monkey population in and around the Sastha temple at Sasthankotta (Kollam district) should be controlled by relocation to a forest area. When monkeys were being trapped haphazardly, abandoned in forests or caged permanently, PFA stepped in and placed a project before the District Collector to relocate the monkeys with the help of an expert team –Vatavaran- from Delhi. Accordingly, 102 monkeys were humanely captured without disrupting their groups and relocated in the Kaanayar Forest area in Achankovil.
Voice Against Cruelty to Animals
PFA has always voiced protest against cruelty to animals and fought legal battles on their behalf.
Crusade against Cattle races
In 1997, we started a crusade against cattle races by filing a Court case. Though our efforts were unsuccessful, our battle against cattle races still continues.
Preventing display of wild animals by circuses
In 1998, PFA pleaded in the Kerala High court for the vacation of the stay obtained by five Circus owners from Kerala, against the Central Govt. notification banning display of five wild animals in Circuses and won the case.
Rescue of starved captive pythons
In 1998, PFA intervened on behalf of a couple of pythons which were being starved in Nehru Park, Alleppey and got the then Collector of Alleppey to issue orders for their release.
Rescue attempt of Ganeshan, the elephant
In 2003, PFA filed a complaint about violation of Captive Elephant Management Rules regarding the elephant Ganeshan, owned by a timber merchant. Despite the odds, we managed to persuade the owner to stop exploiting the animal and give it medical treatment. Unfortunately, the elephant died mysteriously a week after its treatment had started. The carcass was buried before we could inspect it. But, we notified the Insurance company which covered the elephant’s life and managed to stop insurance being paid to the owner.
Shutting down illegal zoos
Over the years, we have closed down several illegal mini and travelling Zoos including one associated with a reputed hospital in Thrissur. In cases where we could not shut down, the zoos, we could prevent them from displaying animals in Thiruvananthapuram.
Rescue of Raja, the pony
In 2013, PFA protested against the ill treatment of the joyride pony Raja, at the Shanghumugham beach. Upon PFA’s appeal to the District Collector, Raja was confiscated by the police. Raja has now recovered from his wounds. After a happy stint in our rescue center, Raja is now rehabilitated at IPAN Hill View Farm Animal Refuge, Masinagudi.
