On the winding streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, a unique battle for survival unfolds every day. Amidst the historic structures and vibrant urban life, thousands of stray dogs and cats are trying to find a place of their own. With Georgia experiencing unprecedented heatwaves, these vulnerable animals face even graver challenges.
Georgia has always had a thriving population of strays. A recent estimate puts the number at a staggering 500,000 in a country of 3.7 million people. These animals, left to fend for themselves, often find solace in the alleys of Tbilisi, searching for food, water, and sometimes, the affection of humans. While many of them freely roam the streets during the day, a few fortunate ones find refuge in shops and residences during the night. Kind-hearted Georgians often provide them with food and a warm space to rest. But the rising temperatures, which are smashing previous records, are exacerbating the hardships faced by these animals.
Thankfully, the situation is not entirely bleak. Several activist groups and individuals have taken it upon themselves to alleviate the suffering of these strays. Among them is the Animal Project, spearheaded by its co-founders Natia Chikovani and Mariam Tsertsvadze. According to Chikovani, the searing heat poses “significant challenges,” primarily because these animals are at a high risk of dehydration.
In a commendable initiative, volunteers from the Animal Project have been patrolling Tbilisi, providing stray animals with water and urging the public to offer them shelter, especially during the scorching afternoons. However, not all Georgians are empathetic towards these creatures. As Tsertsvadze points out, many locals perceive the strays as dirty and untouchable. The Animal Project aims to change this mindset, encouraging shopkeepers and homeowners to be more accommodating and urging the government to ramp up its animal welfare initiatives.
One significant proposition from activists is to allocate more resources for the sterilization of these animals, which would control the burgeoning stray population. Moreover, introducing simplified adoption procedures could help in finding permanent homes for these animals. Keso Baramidze, who co-founded a cat shelter in Tbilisi, laments the prevailing attitudes. He mentions that many of the animals in his shelter have been waiting for a forever home for over two years.
For activists like Tsertsvadze, the mission is clear – animals have as much right to the planet as humans do. “Some people think that this planet is only for humans. It’s not,” she passionately asserts.
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