One of the noblest initiatives has been taking care of the stray animals that have been very seriously affected because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, these animals aren’t directly affected by the virus, but they depend a lot on humans to provide them with food, water, and love–which has been missing from their lives ever since the lockdown began. This means that these are very distressing times for them. Many animal welfare activists have expressed grave concerns over their plight, and believe that the scarcity of food could turn out to be a trigger for promoting competitiveness. This may lead to aggressive behavior among the strays. Many people have abandoned their sick pets amid the lockdown because they weren’t able to get access to regular treatment. Another unfortunate thing is that stray animals are being ostracized because of the fear of contracting the COVID-19 infection from them. Health organizations have debunked this claim, however, and this irrational fear is only gripping people because of widespread misinformation. 

“Animals not only require regular meals, water, medication, healing (in case of injury and illness), and care, but also, most importantly, they need our time and love–we must play with them and pat them, and caress them, as they too suffer the consequences of this forced isolation,” - Mr. Manu Singh, Chairman of Sarva Dharma Samvaad & Chief Mentor Varenyum.