Swapna Poddar, 21, a college student from Raiganj town, has made a kennel for street dogs, especially puppies, near her house.

“I have seen how helpless these puppies feel during winters, and at night, they huddle even in garbage for some warmth. That is why I made this kennel with my pocket money,” said the BA second-year student.

Her initiative has drawn appreciation from animal lovers. “It is good that a college girl has come up with such an initiative for street dogs. We will help her if she wants to make more such kennels in the town,” said Gautam Tantia, the general secretary of North Dinajpur's People for Animals.

Tollywood actress Sreelekha Mitra, who is known for her love for animals, has also appreciated Swapna for her initiative. Report and picture by Kousik Sen