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Slice of life: ‘Animal rescues can be hard if they react out of fear’

Every person has a story to share. This column puts the spotlight on the people of Chennai, faces we see but rarely interact with — giving a glimpse into their struggle

Slice of life: ‘Animal rescues can be hard if they react out of fear’
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Vignesh Vijayalakshmi

Chennai

Vignesh Vijayalakshmi, 26, animal rescuer

I started to rescue animals by accident. Once, I saw a puppy on the road who was hurt and I tried to go and save him. That was when I contacted a friend on how to help more animals in need, and began working as a solo rescuer. About four to five years ago, I used to balance between rescuing animals and my work as an IT professional. I used to work at night shifts, so I would help out during the day. I would save a few birds or smaller animals here or there. Then, as of two years ago, I got into rescuing animals full-time. I actually learned very early on that I could not be an animal lover if rescues don’t work out, and the animal dies. I need to remain objective about it. Since then, I have saved over 200 animals. They are just like us. They feel pain, sadness, and fear, the emotions that humans feel. Seeing them hurt, makes me hurt as well. They deserve as good of a life as we do. Rescues can be dangerous, of course. Just a few days back, a cow and a calf fell into a well and we had to save them. We used large equipment and employed a lot of safety. The animals can also react unfavourably if they are scared. We need to take all of this into account. I’m not a pictures person, so I’ll just rescue the animal. But now, with the Blue Cross, we take videos to show how our rescue operations are going. It also spreads awareness; which people need nowadays.

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