From academia to animal welfare: How Assam’s Prapti Foundation emerged as a force against dog trafficking and cruelty

GUWAHATI: Amid growing threats from dog-trafficking syndicates, animal abuse, and the grim conditions faced by strays, the Prapti Foundation led by noted academician and Sarupathar College principal Prapti Thakur has become a leading grassroots animal welfare movement in Assam.Based in Golaghat district, the organisation brings together youth leaders committed to turning compassion into on-ground action. So far, it has supported over 1,500 animals through rescue operations, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and daily feeding drives. A key pillar of its work is the dog shelter Sarameya Kutir in Rangajan, where 163 dogs have been rescued and given medical care and a safe space to recover."Till now, 163 dogs have been rescued by Prapti Foundation through our continuous humanitarian and animal welfare efforts. Most of these rescued dogs have either been rehabilitated at Sarameya Kutir located in Rangajan and placed under supervised care where they are being properly fed and medically attended. A few of them are currently under observation and treatment, while some have already recovered and are living in safer surroundings," said Thakur.

The foundation’s initiatives are largely sustained through self-funding and humanitarian contributions from supporters committed to protecting voiceless animals.Prapti Foundation has also taken a firm stand against animal cruelty and illegal dog trafficking. Thakur said that whenever credible information about trafficking or cruelty surfaced, volunteers coordinated with authorities and the local administration to ensure legal action.

"Complaints and evidence were forwarded to the appropriate departments wherever necessary, and we consistently demanded strict actions against those found guilty of harming innocent creatures," said Thakur.

"We will continue to work tirelessly for awareness, rescue operations, and stronger implementation of animal protection laws in coordination with citizens, volunteers, and authorities," she added.The rescue effort grew out of repeated incidents of cruelty, illegal activity involving strays, and the neglect of injured and abandoned dogs, which became increasingly alarming on humanitarian and social grounds."Over a period of time, we witnessed increasing reports of organised Dogs-syndicate, animal abuse, unsafe conditions for stray dogs and lack of medical attention. Many injured dogs and puppies were left on roadsides, while several cases reflected an absence of immediate intervention and public awareness.

The situation gradually reached a stage where silence was no longer an option," said Thakur.The foundation then launched a structured rescue and rehabilitation programme focused on round-the-clock emergency response, medical aid, food support, awareness campaigns, and coordination with authorities. "Our foundation's primary agenda is not only to rescue animals but also to build long-term awareness regarding coexistence, lawful animal protection, and responsible social conduct," she added.The animal rescue programme formally began on September 1, 2017 with the aim of standing by voiceless animals in their most vulnerable moments. What began as a small humanitarian initiative has since grown into one of Assam’s most committed grassroots animal welfare movements, driven by collective effort. Core members Pratyasha Phukan, Pompi Debi, Maheswar Deka, Nayan Das, Dhruba Jyoti Mech and Partha Pratim Hazarika continue to work round the clock to rescue, treat and rehabilitate animals in distress.

While widely known for dog rescues, the foundation also responds to other animals in need, including cows, goats, monkeys, cats, horses and birds, providing assistance and medical care wherever possible.