Mangaluru: Animal rescuer Tauseef Ahmed has launched an initiative to provide medical first aid kits worth ₹5,000 each to caretakers of stray cattle and small gaushalas. The kits are designed to treat common wounds and prevent infections, especially during the monsoon season.
Supporting unsung animal caretakers
Tauseef, founder of Mr Rescuer, said the initiative is aimed at helping individuals who quietly take care of stray cattle without seeking attention or funding. “These are people who hardly get support for their work and do it out of pure passion. They are not associated with any organisation, association, or NGO. We have identified at least 10 such people and have reached out to six of them so far,” he added.
Contents of the kits
The first aid kits include large tubes of Betadine ointment, cotton, gauze, sprays, and powders, all intended for topical treatment. Tauseef explained, “Since medicines need to be administered under veterinary supervision, we consciously avoided including them. During our visits, we often came across cows with untreated wounds caused by beatings, falls, or road accidents. In the monsoon, such injuries, if untreated, get infected very quickly.”
Focus on underserved areas
While larger gaushalas often receive philanthropic support, Tauseef emphasised that his initiative focuses on smaller setups and independent caretakers. “This initiative is both a token of appreciation and an attempt to acknowledge their efforts. We are ensuring that the kits reach places where resources are scarce, rather than those already receiving abundant support,” he said.
Previous initiatives
Tauseef has a history of animal welfare projects. About three years ago, he launched Project Suraksha, a pet first aid kit distribution programme for all police stations within Mangaluru. He also introduced reflective collars for stray dogs under Project Reflective Collars and distributes water bowls to animals and birds for free as part of Project Jal during summer.
Conclusion
Through this initiative, Tauseef Ahmed aims to support and recognise the efforts of grassroots animal caretakers, ensuring that stray cattle receive timely treatment during the challenging monsoon months. His work highlights the importance of small-scale, community-driven interventions in animal welfare.