Agonda is one of the more pristine beaches in south Goa, India where Susan and Dian would have an occasional break from the busy north, where they live and run a guest house. It’s an exceptionally beautiful place, still devoid of the usual concrete blocks, that usually come along with tourism. Instead the guests live in huts and smaller establishments, and open air restaurants line the beach. But as the annual business season waned, Susan noticed the plight of the ever increasing dog population: once the restaurants were closed, there were no leftovers to feed on. Puppies and older dogs nurtured over the season by the tourists, were suddenly left to fend on their own.
So she started a monsoon feeding program and treated individual dogs for mange, and other parasites. They adopted some puppies and re-homed others to friends; but there is only so much they could do as individuals . . . so the idea arose to set up an NGO to help the animals in a professional manner.
Then, after they met Brendy, a veterinary nurse, with ample experience from the renowned Natuurhulpcenter in Belgium, who agreed to be the shelter manager, a charitable trust was registered, and so ASA Animal Shelter Agonda was born on 24.April 2015.
And the search for a site began. But no suitable structure in Agonda could be found, so eventually a beautiful, peaceful 5000m2 plot on a cashew plantation in neighbouring Cola was leased, only 4 km from Agonda beach. But the construction of a purpose built shelter would take time and the animals needed help immediately. So for three years they operated out of a temporary location, and by October’18 the new shelter was ready.
THE TEAM
TREATMENT OF SICK AND INJURED ANIMALS
When sick and injured animals get brought to the shelter, or we get calls to visit them on site, our shelter manager assesses them first. Non-serious conditions will be treated and released immediately, whereas serious cases will be kept at the shelter where a care and treatment plan will be followed, providing the best medical care for each animal. Cases that require surgery will be handled by one of our veterinarians Dr. Myron D Costa. Life threatning cases will be treated at ASA under care of dr. Myron and nurse Brendy.
ANIMAL BIRTH CONTROL (ABC) – STERILIZATION OF DOGS AND CATS
Certain days are specifically dedicated to sterilizations. Animals that have been earmarked over the week will be collected the day before, and kept to ensure they have an empty stomach, to be able to be operated. After recovery they will be handed over to the owner, or, in case of strays, will be released at the same place they were captured.
We charge pet-owners who can afford to pay 1,500rps for male sterilizations and 2,000rps for female – we do not charge those who can not afford to pay, or anyone that brings a stray animal to us.
VACCINATIONS AGAINST RABIES & 7-in-1 VACCINATIONS
All animals that are treated by us will be vaccinated against rabies, still one of the rampant problems in India.
We charge pet-owners that can afford to pay a minimal charge of 100rps for Rabies vaccinations – we do not charge those who can not afford to pay.
We charge pet owners 800rps for the 7-in-1 vaccination which protects against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Corona Viral Enteritis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis.
ADOPTIONS AND FOSTERING
All rescued puppies and kittens, and animals not fit enough to survive in the wild eventually need to find new homes. Some are adopted outright by responsible owners, others need to be monitored once in a while, as some people aren’t educated enough to really understand what it entails to be a pet owner.
MONSOON FEEDING PROGRAM
In the monsoon food gets scarce on the beach belt, as most restaurants shut down, and the animals become solely dependant on handouts. So we involve the help of the local community to operate a feeding program in these dire times, and have for the last ten years.
We generally try to foster a humane attitude in the community towards all creatures alive, and the nature they depend on: not to harm, mistreat or kill any beings.
How you can Help
We rely fully on YOUR help to make this shelter project possible. There are a number of ways you can help:
ASA’s Income Tax Certifications:
CIT(E)BLR/12A/ITO(E)-1/PNJ1156/AAETA8025H/2016-2017
CIT(E)BLR/80G/ITO(E)-1/PNJ1157/AAETA8025H/2016-2017
SPONSORS & FUNDRAISERS
For information on how you can sponsor or set up a regular monthly payment to us (Indian businesses only), please go to our “How You Can Help page” or email animalshelteragonda@gmail.com
Agonda Diva Hospitality (formally H2O Agonda) & Agonda Diva Beach Resort and Spa has hosted 3 music events on our behalf with many local businesses supplying gifts and prizes for raffle and lucky dip.
Agonda Kura Kura Beach Huts has hosted a “pop-up” Art Gallery sale in support of ourselves
Sampoorna Yoga (a world renowed Yoga school located in Agonda) has been sponsoring ASA since 2016 until the present date, sending a regular monthly donation, which has enabled us to pay our Vet and assist with medication costs.
THE GALLERY
