Amid ongoing heatwave, animal volunteers aid strays with water bowls & makeshift beds

Pune: Amid the ongoing heatwave, a tide of compassion is also rippling through the city. A few animal welfare NGOs are distributing free cement or clay water bowls, urging citizens to place these near their homes, shops, and at regular feeding spots for strays.
Across localities, volunteers are hauling heavy bowls into shaded nooks and crafting makeshift beds out of gunny bags to protect strays from overheated footpaths.
Groups distributing bowls include Blue Cross Hospital and Karma Foundation.
Nisha Monteiro, an animal activist from NIBM Road, said, "Volunteers can request bowls by emailing Blue Cross Hospital and pick them up when ready for free. We collected around 20 bowls last month, just as the heat was setting in. We've placed them along NIBM Road, NIBM-Undri Road, and many bylanes. We distribute these bowls to volunteers with the condition that they clean them regularly and fill them."
She added, "Fresh water can get dirty fast. Animals also sit in the bowls and dip their paws in to cool down. I make rounds daily to refill water. It takes three trips with a five-litre can. Thankfully, some shops and kind people pitch in."
Kumail Raza, founder of Humanity Foundation, said, "We placed matkas for people and below them, bowls for animals. These are installed at five locations in Kondhwa so far. We've been doing this for humans for seven years and last year, someone said, ‘Why not for animals too?' We agreed."
Katraj-based activist Karishma Shah said, "We collect old gunny bags from shops and spread them out under trees and corners. A few minutes off the hot concrete could save their paws from burns."
Such initiatives have also been met with vandalism. Many volunteers said bowls near housing societies are damaged or stolen within a few days. "It's frustrating. Residents don't want bowls nearby as they think it will attract strays. We keep replacing them," said Ananya Bhide, an animal volunteer from Vimannagar.
Despite setbacks, the movement is growing. Social media groups are buzzing with requests for bowls, water donations and volunteer help.
Veterinarian Kirti Jalopia said that in this furnace-like heat, clean water and a shaded spot can often be the difference between life and death.
"When temperatures soar above 40°C, strays are at extreme risk. Dehydration can set in rapidly, especially in puppies, kittens, and older animals. Without access to clean drinking water, they can suffer from heatstroke, kidney damage, and in severe cases, death. We also see a spike in cases of burned paw pads, skin infections, and exhaustion from prolonged exposure to hot surfaces and intense sun. Providing shaded spots and regular access to fresh water isn't just compassionate, it's critical for their survival in the summer months," said Jalopia.