NEETA Mangal doesn’t mind being immersed in animal welfare since she is an avid animal advocate who regularly rescues, rehabilitates, advocates for, and finds homes for mistreated and abandoned animals.
The mother of one told Pepperpot Magazine that she presently has 22 cats and 22 dogs, most of which were rescued from dire situations or abandoned.

She explained that growing up, she was always surrounded by animals, and her love for them deepened as she got older, developing a strong connection with them. This connection drives her to bring relief to suffering animals she encounters daily.

“I cannot walk the streets and see an animal suffering; it pains me. I am compelled to assist, even if I have to take that dog or cat home with me to foster them until I find a good home. It is who I am; this is my way of life. I chose this, and I feel it chose me, too, because it feels fulfilling. It’s my purpose to help animals every day, and it is not a one-time thing,” she explained.
Mangal reported that her daughter, who is also an animal lover, assists her in fostering dogs and cats at their home.

She added that as a volunteer in animal advocacy, fostering animals involves a lot of work, especially given the number of animals they have at home. They are constructing a large enough cage to accommodate all the animals so they do not roam around and cause issues with neighbours.

Mangal told Pepperpot Magazine that she has been forced to move four times and recently relocated to Annandale, East Coast Demerara, where she is renting. The owner often does not have the space to accommodate so many animals altogether.

She disclosed that she is awaiting the title for her house lot so she can start constructing her very own house with adequate space (a sanctuary) for the animals in her care.
The 50-year-old stated that fostering animals is her way of life, and she has been doing whatever she can to give them a better life, though many are often not adopted.

Presently, she cannot take in any more cats and dogs because she is overwhelmed, but she will care for those she has. She would appreciate donations of pet rice, dry dog food, and cat food to sustain the daily feeding of all the animals in her care.

Mangal explained that she doesn’t see raising animals as a burden because she treats them as part of her family, and she is proud that her 29-year-old daughter has adopted her habit of bringing home strays and animals that need a home.

The animal lover noted that she has a job three times per week, while her daughter has a full-time job, and they both strive to provide meals daily for the animals.

Mangal reported that, sometimes, she receives a donation of a bag of dry dog food, but lately, people have not been contributing as they did before. She has the help of two people who assist her in feeding and the general upkeep of the animals daily, which is a big help.

Mangal pointed out that, at times, people adopt the dogs but then return them, and she has to take them back and raise them. She added that it is hard to give the animals up for adoption because she is very attached to them and doesn’t mind keeping them. Mangal has named all her cats and dogs and has a strong bond with them, as she spends a lot of time with them.

“I try my best to care for all the animals in my care. I make sure they are fed and never ill-treated, they are happy, and I let them loose once a day to run around a bit before they are penned,” she said.

Mangal’s role as an animal advocate is taken seriously since she believes in the right of animals to exist without fear of abuse, exploitation, or extermination. She raises public awareness about the treatment of animals in her community and wherever she goes, if there is a stray or abused animal, she will take it home to care for it.