A group of youths from Old Dhaka have started a campaign to feed street dogs in the capital city.
The initiative, titled “If you donate Tk50, you can feed one dog,” is set to continue for the next nine weeks.
The campaign began in the Moulvibazar area of Old Dhaka at 4:30pm on Friday. In the four hours it ran for on the first day, the group of 15 youths managed to feed 150 dogs in 50 different areas of Dhaka.
The youths are all part of Doggo Sage, a YouTube channel and animal rescue platform.
Rafid Hoque Swad, founder of Doggo Sage, said: “Our goal is to feed 1,000 dogs in the first phase. We have already fed 150 dogs at our own expense and we will campaign to raise money for the remaining 850.
“We have no expectations. If anyone wants to donate, then they can. Otherwise, we will continue the program with our own funds,” he added, mentioning that 10 of his friends had already donated Tk500 each.
The main reason behind the initiative is to increase awareness about animals and birds among people and to push them into taking responsibility for neglected city wildlife as well, Rafid further said.
Plans to open an animal shelter
Rafid is known among locals in his area and friends as the Kite Rescuer. Since November last year, he has rescued 10 injured kites and released five after nursing them back to health.
Furthermore, about 200-250 kites visit his roof everyday around 5:30pm, as he feeds them.
“After getting some experience from rescuing kites, my roof is becoming congested now as more and more animals are being added every day. I am planning to move to Keraniganj to open a rescue centre for the animals,” he said.
Rafid is currently hosting five dogs, five cats, five kites, a rabbit, hen, crow, more than 50 pigeons and 10 other types of injured birds. He also had a goat that recently died due to heat stroke.
Feeding dogs is not bad
Faisal Ahmed Bhubon, a friend of Rafid, said: “On Friday, we realized without a doubt that people are continuing to mistreat dogs. We were trying to give the dogs food, but they were very frightened of humans.”
Rafid said he had unintentionally earned praise from some people for his animal rescue efforts, but others were quick to criticize him.
“Some people here bully the people who are trying to help animals, this is a common issue. They ask what is the point or why do I feed the dogs, but dog feeding is not a bad thing,” he said.
Every month, Rafid spends Tk12,000 to feed and care for his animals and birds. He is studying BBA at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).
