Delhi is a city where thousands of stray animals struggle to survive every day. Dogs hit by vehicles, cows injured by traffic, cats abandoned in unsafe areas, birds with broken wings, and monkeys hurt in human animal conflict are common sights. Life For Strays was created to respond where help was missing. What started as a single rescue in 2020 has grown into a structured animal welfare mission that has rescued and treated over 9,000 animals across Delhi in just five years.
The First Rescue That Started Everything
Life For Strays was founded by Ritika and Akash after rescuing a paralysed puppy who had been left helpless on the road. The puppy had suffered a severe spinal injury and could no longer walk. He was in pain, abandoned, and had no chance of survival without immediate help. The founders rescued him, arranged medical treatment, and provided continuous care. Although the puppy never walked again, he survived. That one life became the reason Life For Strays came into existence.
This rescue marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to protect animals who are injured, abandoned, and forgotten.
Understanding the Stray Animal Crisis in Delhi
Stray animals in Delhi face constant danger. Road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death. Lack of food results in malnutrition and weakened immunity. Many animals suffer from untreated wounds, infections, and chronic conditions. Paralysed, blind, or old animals are especially vulnerable, as they cannot escape danger or fend for themselves.
Life For Strays began responding to emergency rescue calls from across North Delhi. Over time, the organization developed an efficient system to rescue animals quickly and provide immediate medical attention, preventing countless deaths.
The Numbers That Tell a Story of Impact
Saving over 9,000 animals did not happen overnight. Each rescue required time, medical resources, and long term care. The impact of Life For Strays can be seen in the lives saved across multiple species.
Rescue work over the last five years includes:
- 2218 cows rescued from road accidents, neglect, and paralysis
- 4559 dogs treated for injuries, infections, paralysis, and abandonment
- 1507 cats rescued from unsafe environments and medical emergencies
- 503 monkeys treated for injuries and trauma caused by human conflict
- 289 birds rescued from falls, wounds, and environmental hazards
- 87 horses saved from neglect, injury, and abandonment
These numbers represent living beings who were given a second chance at life.
What Happens After a Rescue
Rescue is only the first step. Many animals arrive in critical condition and require weeks or months of treatment. Life For Strays ensures complete post rescue care, including:
- Emergency medical treatment and surgeries
- Long term medication and follow up care
- Nutritious food and hydration
- Clean and safe shelter space
- Continuous health monitoring and rehabilitation
Animals that recover and can safely return to their environment are released responsibly. Those who cannot survive on the streets, such as paralysed or permanently injured animals, are provided lifelong shelter and protection.
Running a Shelter With Commitment and Care
For the past five years, Life For Strays has been operating a shelter that houses rescued animals and supports their recovery. The shelter provides safety, food, medical care, and daily monitoring. As rescue calls increase every year, the shelter frequently reaches its capacity.
Despite limited resources, rescue operations never stop. The team relies on donations, volunteer support, and personal contributions to ensure that no injured animal is left unattended. This consistent commitment has made it possible to maintain a high rescue success rate.
Expanding the Mission With a 1 Acre Shelter
To meet the growing need for animal rescue, Life For Strays is now building a new 1 acre permanent shelter. This facility will significantly increase rescue capacity and improve the quality of care provided to animals.
The new shelter will include:
- Separate areas for different species
- Dedicated medical and recovery wards
- Open rehabilitation spaces for paralysed animals
- Improved sanitation and hygiene facilities
This expansion represents a long term solution to saving more lives and reducing suffering on the streets.
The Role of Supporters and the Community
Rescuing over 9,000 animals would not have been possible without the support of compassionate individuals. Donors, volunteers, and well wishers have played a crucial role in funding treatments, providing food, and assisting with daily care.
Every contribution, whether large or small, has helped save lives. Community support has allowed Life For Strays to continue rescuing animals without hesitation, even in the most challenging situations.
Why This Work Matters
Animal rescue is not just about responding to emergencies. It is about building a society where compassion and responsibility guide human actions. Every rescued animal reflects a choice to protect life and reduce suffering.
Life For Strays continues to work with the belief that no animal deserves to suffer simply because it has no voice.
Final Takeaway: One Rescue at a Time
From a single paralysed puppy to over 9,000 animals rescued across Delhi, Life For Strays stands as proof that dedicated action can create lasting change.
With a growing shelter, ongoing rescue operations, and unwavering commitment, the journey continues. Because saving lives is not a one time effort. It is a responsibility carried forward every single day.
