The World Dog Day will be celebrated on August 26. For 8 years, Abeenesh Mottay has been crisscrossing the country to save them from the streets and their sometimes-irresponsible masters. Every month, the young man can spend up to Rs 25,000, so that his four-legged protégés can taste happiness.
“In the beginning, God created Man, but seeing his weakness, he gave him the dog,” said the French writer, Alphonse Toussenel. In Mauritius, many are correcting this human weakness by saving dogs.
Abeenesh Mottay is one of these volunteers. In 8 years, he estimates that he has saved between 3000 and 4000 dogs from the street by offering them a home: “There is nothing more gratifying for me than to save a dog in distress. Every week, I travel the country with friends to save as many dogs as possible. Once we get them off the streets, I take them into my home. I feed them. If they need care, I take them to the vet at my own expense. Then I take care of finding them a family. So far, I’ve been able to offer 148 dogs for adoption.”
The adoption is also done under certain conditions, as Abeenesh explains: “First, the adopting family must have a fenced yard so that the dog can move freely. But the most important thing is that I have visitation rights, so I can make sure the animal is living in good conditions.”
To end the problem of stray dogs, Abeenesh advocates mandatory sterilization: “There should be a fine for owners who do not sterilize their dogs. However, the State also has a role to play by proposing sterilization campaigns throughout the island.
Note that families, who wish to adopt a dog, can contact Abeenesh on social networks or by calling on 59 36 87 89.
