Working tirelessly to protect stray dogs in India, The Stray Team ‘which all started from a litter of puppies on the road’ is a dedicated charity run by a couple from Barnsley.  

Partnering with Animal Shelter Agonda (ASA) UK, The Stray Team rescues and neuters stray dogs, bridging the gap left by the absence of government funding for animal welfare in India.

Elaine Bates, 68, is a founding member of The Stray Team based in Candolim, North Goa, in India. She and her husband volunteered for the charity after seeing street and beach dogs that needed help while visiting Goa, as tourists. 

Ms Bates said: “The charity in North Goa employs 4 people. We’ve got a dog kitchen, a cook, a veterinary technician, and three support workers.” 

She and her husband visit India annually to continue their work. 

During monsoon season, (a period of heavy rain) which lasts from May to October in India, Ms Bates’ team has fed over five hundred dogs daily.

Stray dogs can face numerous challenges during heavy rains. They are at risk of accidents, infections and hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. Finding dry shelter and food becomes difficult as their usual feeding spots are inaccessible or less likely to be replenished. 

The wet environment can exacerbate existing wounds, making them more prone to infections and slower to heal. Skin problems, such as fungal infections, also become more prevalent due to constant exposure to moisture. 

Ms Bates said: “It can be absolutely horrendous, they can get maggot-infested wounds and all sorts of skin problems.”

ASA also vaccinates, neuters, and rescues dogs from neglect and abuse. 

Ms Bates said: “A few weeks ago, there was a litter of ten puppies that had been thrown over a bridge into a river – luckily the tide was out and the charity was alerted to the plight of the puppies. 

“The fire rescue came out to help, but our volunteers will wade in and help anywhere if an animal is at risk. They’re absolutely amazing.”

To raise essential funds, The Stray Team organises various events throughout the year, including car boot sales, garage sales, and tombolas. They’re gearing up for a special Christmas market to further their charitable efforts this holiday season.

By supporting The Stray Team, donors are directly contributing to saving lives and improving the well-being of countless animals.

“It’s not without risk, but we love what we do because we see the benefits, we see the dogs who are a part of our program become healthy and well-fed.”

ASA UK is a registered charity both in the UK and India. 

For more on how to support ASA, visit their Facebook.