In a proactive move to rescue injured and abused stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, Saanya Anand, a class 12 student from Vasant Valley School, has introduced a revolutionary chatbot named "StraySafe" The innovative platform utilizes the geo feature of smartphones and WhatsApp to pinpoint the location of stray dogs, connecting concerned individuals with the nearest authorities for prompt rescue
Saanya, an avid dog lover, embarked on this journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she took care of an injured Indie stray for months and coordinated its move to a local shelter. Through this experience, she discovered a prevalent lack of knowledge among the general public regarding stray dogs. There was a notable absence of easily accessible information about shelters, adoption procedures, and donation avenues. Motivated to address this gap, she utilized technology to create the StraySafe website and a corresponding chatbot. The platform provides a geolocation service, enabling users to connect seamlessly with the nearest pet shelters and rescue services.
Hopeful of the mass adoption of StraySafe, Saanya Anand, shares her thoughts by saying, “I am honestly overwhelmed by the support StraySafe has received in the last couple of months. In just 2 months, we have been able to save over 30 dogs in Delhi-NCR. We wish to collaborate with more NGOs in the next 6 months so that dog lovers living in other parts of the country can also help stray dogs find their homes.
I further hope to collaborate with NGOs committed to animal welfare and concerned Government agencies which could augment the scope and impact of StraySafe.”
StraySafe's AI-powered platform encourages users to report injured or aggressive stray dogs through its Chatbot helpline at +91-7042848423. The platform, which houses the directory of all the NGOs and shelter houses for strays in Delhi-NCR, then reads the inputs shared on WhatsApp along with the location and accordingly suggests the nearest and relevant Vet, Animal Center, or NGO. Simultaneously, the relevant authorities are informed, enabling a swift response to provide necessary treatment for the stray dogs.
Acknowledged and embraced by leading NGOs in the region, StraySafe is set to further enhance its capabilities by adding a donation facility to the website, addressing a crucial funding challenge faced by NGOs dedicated to stray dog welfare.
Every day, a significant number of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR fall victim to reckless driving or suffer from illnesses without anyone available to provide care. Despite the sincere intent to assist, many have faced the challenge of not knowing where to seek treatment or whom to contact. StraySafe's technological intervention offers hope for creating a safer environment for both citizens and vulnerable stray dogs, presenting a significant step toward addressing the ongoing issue of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.
