The BULLOCK - When young, is flogged to haul heavy loads, when old, is flayed alive for his skin..................
CUPA has stepped in to make a positive difference to this most used and abused of animals.
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Urban Large Animal Health Camps:
These are held on a regular basis every month in the crowded whole-sale markets of Bangalore. The programme provides much needed medical attention to countless bullocks, horses, buffaloes and other animals. Free medication, food supplements and advice are given to the owners of the animals. Some carts area forcibly stopped, checked and medical aid provided. Health Cards are issued detailing the condition of the animals. These are up-dated for the owners on subsequent visits of their animals to the Health Camps.
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Checking programme for overloading Jutka / Bullock carts
CUPA's well trained animal welfare Inspectors routinely monitor the loads carried by draught animals - bullocks and ponies. Overloaded carts are unloaded, the owners are warned and only permissible loads are permitted to be carried. The health and condition of animals are also checked and veterinary treatment is administered wherever necessary. CUPA's Inspectors are a common and well known sight in the City Market areas and RMC Yard at Yeshwanthpur among other areas.
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Awareness Campaigns:
CUPA Committee members monitor the large animal health camps and work done by the Inspectors. The Traffic Police Personnel and constables are met with to assist CUPA in addressing the problems related to large animals. These may be cruelty on the part of the owner and/or difficulties faced by the owners. Pamphlets are distributed on the permissible loads that are to be loaded by the bullock / jutka(pony) carts.
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Rural Large Animal Health Camps:
CUPA conducts camps for large animals, poultry and cattle in the villages outside Bangalore city limits every month. Awards are given to farmers who take good care of their live stock. Free medication and supplements are distributed benefiting over 800 animals per camp. CUPA Animal Welfare Inspectors with SPECIAL POLICING POWERS by the Karnataka Police check over-loading, abuse and cruelty meted out to bullock & pony carts.
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FUTURE PLANS:
CUPA has acquired 2 acres of land at Kengeri, Bangalore and plans to start a shelter for old and destitute cows, bullocks and cattle. We have been blessed with abundant water in this area and construction for a modern hospital and shelter for large animals has been initiated.