The Jamshedpur Red Paws Rescue Foundation will be building a shelter for stray dogs in the steel city, making it the second animal shelter of the state.

The city-based NGO has identified the land in Pardih near Mango.

“One of our members was kind enough to provide us with a plot of land. The land measures 150x30 ft and is enough for setting up the facility. We have already generated over Rs 60,000 for constructing a hall for the animal shelter. Around 40 strays can be accommodated at the facility,” said Aniz Patel, founder of JRPRF.

Speaking to The Telegraph Online, Patel said around Rs 3lakh was required for setting up the shelter home and funds are being generated from well wishers. “We are optimistic that the required funds would be generated since there are many animal lovers in Jamshedpur,” he added.

According to Patel, the animal shelter would be meant for wounded stray canines who will be brought to the facility for treatment. “We’ll rescue wounded strays and bring them to the shelter. The strays would undergo treatment and will be kept at the shelter till full recovery. They would be released in their respective areas after healing,” he added.

Services of vets would be available for treatment of strays who often get wounded and there is no facility for their treatment.

A number of strays fall victim to road mishaps in the city. Some even die or are badly injured and eventually die. “We try our best to save strays but it is not always possible. After all, we are not experts in providing treatment for critical cases. Hence, an animal shelter is the need of the hour,” a member said.

Members of the foundation also provide treatment to strays on their own. They contact Patel if they come across strays who need treatment. Patel, on his part, co-ordinates with vets and suggests medicines. “But we can provide general treatment only. Critical cases can be treated at the shelter,” Patel said, adding it will be the first animal shelter in Jamshedpur.

Besides feeding strays, the foundation also conducts anti-rabies vaccination camps in periodical intervals at different localities. It also puts reflective collars on strays to protect them from road mishaps.