“Adopt, don’t buy,” says Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon Thadani

Raveena Tandon Thadani, a longtime supporter of PETA talks about her commitment to the organisation’s causes.

When it comes to rescuing animals off the street, Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon Thadani gives out her heart and soul. This altruistic gesture of hers reveals how passionate she is about saving them from unimaginable miseries we know of. We sit down with beautiful Raveena, to find out more about her recent PETA campaign of adopting the homeless dogs.

What inspired you to get involved with this PETA campaign?
I am a long-time supporter of PETA’s homeless-dog adoption campaign and its other lifesaving activities. As a matter of fact, I have come forward many times to support PETA in their much-needed campaigns against the use of exotic animals as fashion accessories and the cruel transportation of cattle to slaughterhouses for leather.

How much does it matter to you being part of this great cause?
It matters to me immensely. First and foremost, I have rescued animals at home. They were rescued from the street or adopted from an animal shelter. Wherever and however I can, I try to encourage others who are looking to welcome a dog or cat into their home to choose to adopt, not buy. This way, we can give a better life to these animals. After all, they also need care and affection in the same way as we humans seek and cannot live without.

Tell us something about your adopted pets. What are their names?
I have adopted five dogs and one cat who I share my life with. Chotu and Hero are the community dogs who I brought in from the streets and Cuddles is a Pomeranian who I adopted from an animal shelter. The recent addition to my family are Luv and Ganga, two adorable puppies that PETA rescued from the monsoon downpour who I took in. Not only that, I also have a cat named Tinkerbell who I found on the street and instantly got her home.

When did you realize that you should reach out to stray dogs?
Anil (my husband) and I have always had our hearts melted by the sad plight of stray dogs and our kids are the same. Animals on the streets and shelters deserve a chance and they need our help, love and compassion. We were fully aware of the harsh realities these animals face. So, it was a matter of time before we took this important initiative.

How has your life changed since you brought them home?
They all have become a part of my family. We are inseparable.

How did your two kids react when they saw them?
My kids love them! They are all best friends. When kids get back home from school, they hardly leave each others side; playing with them in the park, watching television together. For them, the fun never ends.

How serious is this problem of stray dogs being neglected and treated inhumanely?
Dogs and cats struggle to survive on the street. They are often hit by cars, they are injured, or are vigorously abused by cruel people. In fact, whenever PETA finds homeless animals, they are in bad shape; bruised, bloodied and emaciated.

There are currently many homeless dogs and cats and not enough good homes. Many people buy animals on impulse or without realizing the time and effort it takes to care for the pet properly. Once the novelty wears off, healthy, lovable, friendly dogs and cats are often dumped at animal shelters. There, they wait in desperation for a loving home. Adopting a homeless dog or cat is a compassionate choice – and for you a great way to make a best friend for life.

What is the situation like where you live, especially in Mumbai?
This problem is not just prevalent in Mumbai. Across India, unwanted animals are often abandoned on the streets to join stray dogs and cats who struggle to survive. Many of these animals starve to death, are injured or killed in fights, are hit by vehicles or are abused. Countless others are kept in animal shelters because there aren’t enough good homes for them. Every time someone buys a dog or cat from a breeder or pet store, a homeless animal roaming the streets or waiting in an animal shelter loses a chance at finding a good home.

How hopeful are you with your ad campaign? Do you think that people’s behavior might be changing quickly?
PETA tells me people call them everyday enquiring how they can go about adopting an Indian dog. There are so many homeless dogs and cats who have found loving homes. I hope to see many more homes found for animals on the streets or in shanty shelters. People with the time, resources, love and patience to make a lifetime commitment to an animal can make a huge difference by adopting a dog from a shelter or rescuing animals from a perilous life on the street.

Printed in Petigree Magazine Oct / Nov 2013 issue