JAMNAGAR: On World Animal Day, Anant M. Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited and an advocate for animal welfare, introduced ‘Champions of Care,’ a new initiative by Vantara focused on improving community animal welfare through sustainable methods.

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The initiative unites over 50 animal welfare organizations from across India, dedicated to caring for community dogs, cats, and large animals, as well as providing veterinary hospitals, mobile rescue services, and shelters for long-term care.

‘Champions of Care’ aims to reach around two million animals annually, offering veterinary treatment, rescue, shelter, feeding, and long-term care. It will also promote responsible population management for community animals, including animal birth control programs.

Participants from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) were present at the launch event. Delegates explored Vantara's facilities that care for rescued elephants and big cats, such as lions, tigers, and leopards, with a focus on veterinary care, nutrition, housing, and enrichment.

The second day included discussions among the participating organizations to address shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration. A significant outcome was the signing of a Letter of Understanding between Vantara and the represented animal welfare groups, establishing a framework for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.

The initiative will address the needs identified by the groups, including infrastructure improvements, animal housing, mobile veterinary services, and lifelong care support. It also emphasizes sustainability through solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and enhanced drainage systems.

Awareness programs targeting children and young people and the development of quarantine and disease management infrastructure have also been identified as priorities by some organizations.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the participating organizations, signed by Anant Ambani, recognizing their efforts in animal welfare.

‘Champions of Care’ is designed to evolve into a national network, with plans for more organizations to join over the coming years. The initiative aims to enhance collaboration and resource sharing among animal welfare groups nationwide, extending Vantara’s commitment to its ‘Every Life Matters’ philosophy.