The Urban Animal Project: Dog Ward (Cam 1)
Director: Nisha Vasudevan
Duration: 00:02:05; Aspect Ratio: 1.778:1; Hue: 45.126; Saturation: 0.071; Lightness: 0.365; Volume: 0.310; Cuts per Minute: 14.321
Summary: Cities are not “natural habitats”. However, over the years cities have become the spaces in which many animals have evolved; they are now the homes on which they have imprinted. The Urban Animal Project aims to document these species against the backdrop of a cityscape.
This is a work-in-progress which will be conducted in many phases, the first of which looks at land mammals in the city of Mumbai. Phase I delves into the reasons these animals are present in such a physical environment as opposed to existing in the wild. At the same time, it investigates what provisions are available for them and whether or not they are implemented. These laws are looked into with reference and from the point of view of municipal bodies, non-profit organisations, veterinary practice and the current curriculum, the meat and dairy industries, beasts of burden, animal trade and the role of superstition, among others.
Over time, The Urban Animal Project is expected to expand into marine life, protected areas within cities, birds, monsoon ecosystems and hopefully many other areas.
This set of clips has been shot at the dog ward of the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals and joined (in no particular order).
Currently being worked on by Namaah Kumar, Reema Sengupta, Falak Mulchandani and Nisha Vasudevan. Each phase of The Urban Animal Project will be edited into short documentaries.
The Dog Ward at "Parel Animal Hospital" as it is locally known is well equipped, and a variety of breeds are observed to be treated here. The BSPCA-run hospital tries to regularly upgrade its equipment and keeps things as state-of-the art as possible.
Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals
Dog Ward
Parel
Mumbai
animal hospital
Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals
Mumbai
Parel
However, many who are employed at the hospital do not necessarily have a passion for animal welfare. This is not to say that they are animal-haters or cruel people, it is simply that they may feel neutral towards the idea of animal welfare. For many a Mumbai citizen, a job is a job - whether it is a clerical job at a government office or as a dog-handler at the animal hospital. Passion is no prerequisite when your bread and butter are at stake. Compromises have to be made.
Sometimes, this may reflect in the way the animals are dealt with, but not always.
employment
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