 |
|
| Major-General Kharb.© HSI |
|
by Alex Gittelson
In May 2008, HSI was honored to have Major-General R.M. Kharb (retd) accept our invitation to be the special guest speaker at both the HSI-sponsored international workshops and general session of The Humane Society of the United States's annual Animal Care Expo. Speaking to the more than 1,500 animal protectionists who attended the latter, General Kharb shared his experiences and insights into working in a country where millions of street animals roam in search of a caring hand. He also spent time patiently listening to the concerns of several attendees, offering advice and information about resources.
A Pioneer for Animals
General Kharb, a distinguished veterinarian with more than 40 years of excellence behind him, has been a pioneer in the animal rights cause in his native India. He is well-decorated thanks to his years of service and many contributions to the advancement of veterinary education in the army, including the organization of veterinary aid camps for needy companion animals in remote regions of India. Among his honors is the Fellowship of the National Academy of Veterinary Sciences of India.
In addition, General Kharb currently serves as Chairman of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a national group that provides financial assistance to organizations helping animals in India. AWBI works to create general awareness for its cause, hoping to spread a philosophy of compassion toward animals while protecting them from cruelty—a daunting task given the sheer number of strays. Nevertheless, the AWBI supports about 2,500 animal organizations, which carry out the Animal Birth Control/Anti-Rabies (ABC/AR) Program for stray dogs in addition to caring for ownerless cattle and other animals. General Kharb has been quoted as saying, “Our dogs are doing the country proud.”
A Key HSI Partner
General Kharb's help has been vital to HSI’s disaster response efforts in India and prevention of the use of inhumane street animal management measures. In March 2008, HSI received emails and phone calls from all over the world, pleading for intervention into the planned cull of street animals in Kashmir and the northern state of Jammu. HSI immediately contacted General Kharb, who was instrumental in stopping this cull and encouraging the state to adopt the ABC (Animal Birth Control) protocol that is widely accepted in parts of India. HSI is now assisting with the implementation of this program.
General Kharb is currently working on several new projects with AWBI, ranging from controlling street dogs through sterilization and education, to creating environmentally friendly energy solutions from cow waste, to revising outdated animal welfare laws in India. He has also authored a book on how to properly care for dogs and their benefits as pets and as protecton for military personnel.
General Kharb has been a friend to HSI and a supporter of our work in India for many years. We were honored to have him speak to and inspire international attendees, who benefited from his expansive knowledge and experience.
