People and the sounds of crackers may be gradually settling down now, but birds and animals in the city are still suffering the after-effects of crackers. In order to help animals and birds injured during the Diwali celebrations in the city, a group of youngsters are identifying injured animals for treatment.

While reports abouts the number of people injured during the celebrations have been shocking, the number of injured animals is largely unnoticed.

Three organisations, Save Earth Next Generation (SENG), Hotel for Dogs and Cloud Nine Hospital, have joined hands to rescue these forgotten creatures.

“Every year hundreds of creatures are hurt. Injuries happen not only because of crackers, but also when animals try to run away from crackers and end up being hit by vehicles,” said Nishanth Ravi, one of the volunteers involved in the rescue work. He added that apart from pet animals like dogs and cats, cattle are also injured during such events.

“They take a long time to recuperate from the mental trauma too,” he said.

With more than 40 volunteers and two ambulances, the members of the organisations rush immediately to the spot of injury and offer first aid to animals.

“We rescued 18 dogs, 5 cats and 11 birds last year when we first started the initiative,” said Ravi.

The organisers, who started the work today will carry out the work for four days around the clock.

“We also advise people to celebrate Diwali by not disturbing animals and conduct various campaigns to avert accidents,” Ravi said.

For details, contact 7845018969 or 9841588852.