2025: A Year of Breakthroughs in Animal Welfare and Rescue By Emergency and Rapid Response Teams
Wherever animals are in need, PETA India shows up. Our 24/7 Rapid Response Team remain steadfast in their mission to rescue and protect animals, whether scaling high-rise buildings, being lowered into wells, or providing lifesaving, timely veterinary care. The following are the most impactful and memorable cases of animal rescue, reflecting the team’s relentless dedication to making a difference in the lives of so many beings. The emergency response team handled more than 5 lakh emergency calls, helped more than 4,000 people remotely, and rescued and rehabilitated around 690 animals remotely. On the ground, the team also rescued, treated, and released approximately 2,900 animals back into their natural territory/habitat.
On the other hand, PETA India’s rapid response team treated over 8,900 animals, sterilised 2,200, rehabilitated around 300, and helped approximately 15 find loving permanent homes.
1. Dozens of Animals Rescued from Floods in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR)
In September 2025, when floods in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) left animals stranded and starving, PETA India’s Rapid Response Team arranged a boat and sprang into action.
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Asha’s Journey: From Floods to Family
During the flood rescues, a female pup was found near the Yamuna bank, separated from her mother and in distress. She was hungry, frightened, and dehydrated, with lesions indicating the onset of a fungal infection due to the waterlogged conditions. She received immediate treatment from the Rapid Response Team, who also worked to secure her permanent home. Today, she resides in her forever home, comfortably settled on her bed, receiving care and affection.
2. Cow Rescued from A Flooded Tank in Aya
In Aya Nagar, Delhi, a cow fell into an open tank during heavy rains. With coordinated efforts, the cow was successfully pulled out in a single attempt with strong, smooth, wide bands and ropes. The medical examination of the cow revealed only minor bruises, which were treated, and the cow was safely returned to the caretaker.
3. Painted Chicks Rescued in Meerut
The team rescued a group of approximately 80-day-old chicks in Meerut that had been painted with artificial colours. The chicks were safely relocated to Sangli, Maharashtra where they received continued care and eventually grew into healthy, full-sized birds.
4. 300+ Animals Rescued From A Notorious Hoarder In Udupi
In Udupi, PETA India’s Rapid Response Team carried out a critical rescue at an illegal and severely neglected animal shelter. The total of 300+ animals who were rescued from this hoarder were found severely dehydrated and weak, with viral infections, eye problems, injuries, parasitic infestations, and covered in their own filth. Each one received an immediate medical assessment, first aid, parasite control, hydration support, and clean transport crates before being transferred to approved foster homes and sanctuary for proper nutrition, veterinary care, and socialization.
5. Rescue and Rehabilitation of Rabbits from Yamuna Bank
During a routine scouting activity by the Rapid Response Team near the Yamuna Bank, a PETA India staffer discovered several rabbits confined inside a box, and an immediate rescue was arranged for the rabbits. Three rabbits who survived were later named Sonya, Sakhi, and Suman and were safely relocated to PETA India’s office in Delhi. They were temporarily housed under veterinary supervision and received thorough physical examinations, proper nutrition, clean water, and regular growth supplements, ensuring they remained healthy and disease-free. They were then relocated to a reputed sanctuary in Sangli, Maharashtra.
6. Rescue and Horse Welfare Interventions by the Rapid Response Team
A total of 36 horses were screened for glanders, with blood samples and swabs collected by the Rapid Response Team. Based on the blood sample results from the laboratory, appropriate rehabilitation measures were implemented to support and improve the health of the affected animals.
In addition, an abandoned horse was rescued from Gandhi Nagar, Delhi and was then transferred to the Animal Rahat Sanctuary in Ranapur, where the horse received immediate care in a secure and rehabilitative environment.
The team also visited Brihanmumbai Municipal Co-Operation (BMC), Malad Farm and engaged with the farm labourers to assess current feeding and management practices. Findings indicated poor feeding and care, which were promptly reported, and clear instructions were provided to the labourers at BMC for implementation.
Additionally, urgent transportation was arranged for four horses rescued from Dadar Station. The horses were safely transported from BMC Malad to Animal Rahat, Sangli.
7. An Injured Donkey Received Necessary Vet Care
A PETA India supporter reported an injured donkey who had an infected wound at the coronary band (Quittor). The wound was thoroughly cleaned, abscesses were drained, and the area was dressed with antibiotics to prevent infection.
8. Emergency Rescue of A Cat Entangled in A Fishing Net
A community cat was found entangled in a fishing net, with hooks lodged in the cat’s mouth and leg. The Rapid Response Team promptly reached the location, safely rescued the cat, and carefully removed the hooks. After ensuring the cat was stable, the cat was released back to their territory.
9. Life-Saving Intervention: Rectal Surgery for A Community Cat
The Rapid Response Team responded to a complaint regarding a distressed community cat, who underwent a rectal surgery. Following recovery and health checks, the cat was declared fit and released back to their territory.
10. Rescue and Treatment of An Injured Dog in Borivali, Mumbai
PETA India’s 24/7 emergency helpline received a complaint from Borivali regarding a dog with a severe wound, likely caused by an injury, and in visible pain. The complainant had approached several NGOs without success before contacting PETA India. The Rapid Response Team promptly reached the location, assessed the dog’s condition, administered painkillers, and the dog was admitted to the hospital, where the dog received stitches and treatment. Once declared fit for release, the dog was returned to their original territory in Borivali.
11. Rescue and Safe Relocation of Rams Found in Bandra, Mumbai
Two rams rescued from Bandra Terminus and rehabilitated them safely at a reputed sanctuary in Sangli.
12. Actress Shalini Pandey Helps Save a Community Dog in Bandra
Actress Shalini Pandey reported a community dog in Bandra whose fur had been dyed blue. The Rapid Response Team immediately initiated a search and, after nearly two hours, successfully located the dog. Although otherwise healthy, the dog’s fur was visibly dyed. The dog was transported to the clinic, bathed with safe products, and the dye was completely removed. After drying his coat and ensuring his comfort, the dog was released back into his original habitat.
13. Successful Rescue of A Trapped Crow from a Tree Branch
During routine scouting in Mumbai, the team observed a stressed crow with one wing trapped on a tree branch. Coordination with the local fire department enabled a successful rescue. After a thorough medical examination, the bird received the required medical treatment and was subsequently released into a suitable habitat.
14. Captive Rhesus Macaques Rescued and Freed in Bihar and Hazaribagh
The Emergency Response Team handled two critical rescues involving rhesus macaques in Bihar and Jharkhand. In Saran, Bihar, a distressed caller reported that a mother rhesus macaque and her infant had suffered an electric shock and fallen together. Despite delays in reaching officials on a Sunday, the emergency response team persisted until the District Magistrate connected them with the Divisional Forest Officer, who in turn coordinated with the local Forest Ranger to dispatch assistance. The mother and the baby macaque were taken to a Transit Treatment Centre, where examinations confirmed that they had no internal injuries. After two weeks of rest and care, both were released back into their natural habitat.
In Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, the team received a report of a rhesus macaque kept captive for several days without food or water, chained near a shutter in a remote hill area. The search led to the successful rescue of the rhesus macaque, who was found weak and mildly injured. He was transported for medical treatment, and once fully recovered, the Forest Department released him back into his natural habitat, restoring his freedom and safety.
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15. Successful Rescue of Animals Trapped in Deep Wells
The emergency response team responded to multiple distress calls involving community dogs, a cat and a puppy trapped in deep wells across different states.
- In Kottayam, Kerala, a dog that had been stranded for over three days in a 15-foot-deep well was rescued with the help of professional well cleaners, who used ropes and nets.
- In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, another dog that had fallen into a well was rescued by a trusted local NGO.
- In Bandikui, Rajasthan, a puppy trapped for several weeks in a 250-foot-deep dry well was saved with the help of local activists and organisations, which was coordinated by the Alwar and Dausa District Magistrates and the Panchayat Committee. The puppy was rehabilitated within the village, where residents continue to care for him.
- In Alwar, Rajasthan, another community dog stranded in a dry well was rescued after the team coordinated with a local organisation. Following treatment, neutering, and vaccination, he was released back into his community.
- A cat stranded on a narrow ledge inside a deep well in Gadag-Betagiri, Karnataka, was safely rescued after the Emergency Response Team coordinated with the State Disaster Response Force. Using ropes and harnesses, a trained rescuer was lowered into the well and carefully secured the frightened cat. Once confirmed healthy and stable, she was released back into her community, where local residents continue to care for her.
16. Wild Animals Rescued from Deep Wells Across India
Across multiple states, the emergency response team coordinated with Forest Departments, local authorities, and communities to rescue jackals, a wild boar, a fawn, and a snake trapped in wells.
- Jackals in Sonbhadra, Gorakhpur, Urwa, Garhwa, and Bhojpur were rescued after being for days, often weak and dehydrated, and were medically treated before being released into their natural habitats.
- In Mehsana, a wild boar was rescued, and the well was subsequently secured to prevent future accidents.
- In Sahore, a young fawn was lifted out using a sturdy metal frame borrowed from a nearby construction site, and the locals lowered a large net into the 50-feet deep well to capture the fawn. The fawn, who was found to have minor injuries, was reunited with the mother soon. A snake trapped in the same well was also safely released, with the team guiding the locals on the rescue operation.
17. Sea Turtles Rescued and Released in Natural Habitat in Udupi, Karnataka
In two separate incidents, the emergency response team received calls from Gangolli village and a shoreline in Udupi, Karnataka, about two sea turtles stranded on the beach and unable to return to the ocean. The Forest Department was alerted and coordinated with the marine conservation team, which examined the turtles, provided necessary medical attention, transported the turtles for rehabilitation, and, after months of recovery, both turtles were released back into the ocean.
18. Injured Vulture Rescued in Nalanda, Bihar
The Emergency Response Team received a call from a resident of Fullipar Village about an injured vulture unable to fly. The Range Forest Officer promptly arranged the rescue, and the bird was transported to Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary for treatment. After regaining strength, the vulture was successfully released back into the natural habitat.
19. Pythons Rescued and Safely Released to the Forest
In Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, the team assisted in rescuing an injured python with deep cuts. The snake received 22 stitches, recovered under the care of the Forest Department, and was subsequently released. In Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, a python entangled in metal wire was freed after the team coordinated with forest officials. The snake was unharmed and safely returned to the forest.
20. Peacock Rescued During a Thunderstorm in Uttar Pradesh
After receiving a call about a peacock stranded high in a tree during a severe thunderstorm in Kanpur Dehat, the emergency response team coordinated with the local Range Officer, who dispatched a rescue team with support from the Fire Department. After nearly an hour of effort using ladders and safety gear, the peacock was safely retrieved. Minor storm-related injuries were treated, and following rest and observation, the bird was released back into the natural habitat.
