The Animal Care Organization (TACO), an initiative of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, has officially inaugurated a new Veterinary Hospital and Animal Birth Control (ABC) Unit at its shelter in Faizupur Khadar, Faridabad, Haryana. The ceremony was attended by Shri. Vikram Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad, and Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd and Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd. In addition to the new facilities, TACO also launched a Mobile Health Van (MHV) to extend its reach beyond Faridabad.

The newly established TACO facility, which spans 2 acres, is designed to provide comprehensive care for animals in need of surgeries or diagnostic tests without requiring them to be transported elsewhere. The Veterinary Hospital, ABC Unit, and MHV are each equipped with an operating theatre. The facility employs five experienced veterinarians and surgeons to handle a range of medical conditions, including complex and critical cases.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar emphasized the significance of the expanded infrastructure, stating, “TACO started its journey at this shelter two years ago, and I am thrilled to see the significant advancements we have made. The new hospital and MHV will greatly benefit the local community and allow us to address emergency cases promptly. This facility ensures high standards of care and professionalism, enhancing the well-being of animals.”

Mr Vikram Singh commended TACO’s efforts, noting, “The establishment of this new facility in Faridabad underscores TACO’s commitment to animal welfare. The veterinary hospital, ABC Unit, and MHV reflect their vision for improving animal care and creating a more humane community.”

The Veterinary Hospital features an in-house laboratory equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including a Biochemistry Machine and Hematology Analyzer. The ABC Unit focuses on controlling the stray animal population through spaying and neutering programs and includes fully air-conditioned wards for post-operative care and a kitchen for nutritional needs.

The Mobile Health Van will provide door-to-door veterinary care, including vaccinations and treatments for strays, livestock, and pets within a 20km radius of the shelter. It is equipped with two treatment tables and hydraulic facilities for treating large animals, with a team comprising a doctor, a para-veterinarian, and a veterinary assistant.

Additional features of the new facility include an open shaded space for outpatient treatment, three Travis for handling large or aggressive animals, a dedicated section for pregnant animals, and a special area for blind animals to prevent injuries. The facility also cultivates fodder on-site and has doubled its storage capacity, employing sustainable waste management through vermicomposting.

Earlier this month, TACO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Animal Husbandry Department of Haryana and the Haryana State CSR Trust to upgrade the Government Veterinary Hospital in Kadipur, Gurugram, into a 24x7 multi-speciality animal hospital. This project will include an ABC unit, laboratory, pharmacy, training centre, and shelter for critically ill animals, further enhancing Haryana’s animal care infrastructure.

Since its inception in 2022, TACO’s Faridabad shelter has cared for over 160 animals, including cows, bulls, and dogs. The organization has treated more than 60,000 animals through health camps, rescued nearly 5,000 animals during floods in Delhi and Haryana, and supported over 460 farmers through animal OPD services. TACO has also created job opportunities for over 20 locals and continues to support veterinary healthcare through its academy and ambulance services.