Anant Ambani launches national animal welfare initiative with 50+ organisations
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Anant M. Ambani, executive director of Reliance Industries and philanthropist associated with animal welfare, on Tuesday launched ‘Champions of Care’, a new initiative by Vantara aimed at strengthening community animal welfare across India.
The initiative, announced on World Animal Day in Jamnagar, brings together more than 50 animal welfare organisations working with community dogs, cats and large animals. The organisations also provide veterinary hospital services, mobile rescue and veterinary services, and long-term care for animals.
The initiative is expected to reach and support around 2 million animals every year through veterinary care, rescue, shelter, feeding and long-term care, according to Vantara.
Focus on practical support
Champions of Care will provide support based on the requirements identified by participating organisations. This includes infrastructure, animal housing, ambulances and mobile services, rescue equipment, diagnostic and treatment equipment, training and capacity building, and facilities for lifelong animal care.
The initiative will also support measures such as solar power systems, rainwater harvesting and improved drainage at animal welfare facilities. Some organisations have proposed education and awareness programmes for children and young people, as well as quarantine and disease management infrastructure.
Vantara said the initiative is intended to strengthen the capacity of animal welfare organisations and reduce their dependence on short-term support.
“Every day, there are countless people who quietly care for animals in need, often with limited resources and little recognition, but with immense compassion,” Ambani said.
“Their work reminds us that kindness has no boundaries and that every life deserves care, protection and dignity. Through Champions of Care, we hope to stand alongside this work, strengthen the care available to community animals and help build a more compassionate India,” he added.
Vantara, organisations sign agreement
As part of the two-day gathering at Vantara, representatives from the participating organisations visited its animal care facilities and discussed their experiences and challenges.
The organisations and Vantara subsequently signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) to formalise their commitment to work together on community animal welfare. The agreement provides a framework for collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity building and practical support.
S. P. Gupta, former chairman and current member of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), said the initiative would help strengthen the collective ability of organisations working in the sector.
“What touched me most was his personal effort to listen to the organisations, understand their challenges on the ground and respond with practical and sustainable solutions,” Gupta said.
Eight members of the AWBI participated in the gathering. Vantara said more animal welfare organisations are expected to join Champions of Care as the initiative expands, creating a wider network for sharing knowledge, expertise and resources.