Across Tamil Nadu, stray animals are facing one of the most challenging times in recent history. Following the recent Supreme Court ruling on the management of strays, fear and hostility have increased. In August, reports of dogs being abandoned, poisoned, or even burned alive shocked entire communities.

Amid this crisis, Roa Shelter, operated by Dinesh Baba, now in Koovathur, Tamil Nadu, has become a lifeline. Founded by Dinesh Baba Pannerselvam in 2011, the shelter initially operated as Cloud 9 Clinic and Rehabilitation in Iyyappanthangal, Chennai, rescuing animals from abuse, accidents, and disasters. But with growing threats, the work has never been more urgent.

Poisoned Food, Shattered Lives

Earlier this year, Dinesh and his team rushed to rescue a group of street dogs after locals found them collapsed overnight. Witnesses recalled a stranger leaving food at their usual feeding spot. By morning, the dogs were trembling, vomiting, and gasping for breath. Despite immediate care, some didn’t survive. The ones who lived remained anxious and withdrawn for days. The community that had cared for them was devastated, showing just how urgent the need is for a safe and protected shelter.

Roa Shelter must expand to meet the rising need.

“I will never forget Ponni, a four-year-old mongrel. We rescued her when she was severely injured, her jaw tied tightly with a rope. She was unable to eat and was fighting a terrible infection. With care and patience, she found her strength again,” recalls Dinesh.

Rising Challenges, Growing Dreams

Every week, more dogs are brought in, some old and abandoned, others suffering from infections, accidents, or violent attacks. Many are released onto the streets by families who can no longer care for them, leaving them vulnerable. Most arrive with deep wounds, serious illnesses, or broken spirits.

Despite limited space, Dinesh and his small team provide hydrotherapy for recovery, wheelchairs for disabled dogs, and medical care in their in-house clinic. On just half an acre of land, 80 animals are currently cared for, but hundreds more need help.

Due to space constraints, Roa Shelter has been operating in Koovathur for the last four years, rehabilitating sick, elderly, paraplegic dogs and those with a history of aggression. The shelter is now expanding to:

• Build enclosures for dogs needing special attention.
  
  

• Address human-animal conflicts in the surrounding community.
  
  

• Expand living areas to care for 100 more animals.
  
  

• Develop a quarantine zone to safely house sick or recovering dogs.
  
  

• Strengthen the medical facility to ensure timely treatments for critical cases.
  
  

“Every animal deserves dignity, no matter how sick, old, or unwanted they may be. With a bigger shelter, we can give them that dignity and a chance at love,” Dinesh says with hope.

You Can Give Hope Where It’s Needed Most

Even after witnessing tragedies like poisoning and fire incidents in Tamil Nadu, Dinesh’s team remains dedicated to transforming pain into hope. With your support, Roa Shelter can continue rescuing animals from the streets, disasters, and abandonment, giving every creature a second chance at life.

“To build this haven, we urgently need support with construction materials, food, and medicines. Every animal deserves a safe place to heal,” explains Dinesh.

Donate now. Be the difference for animals who have no one else.

About NGO: ROA Shelter, founded by Dinesh Baba in 2011, started as Cloud 9 Clinic and Rehabilitation in Iyyappanthangal, Chennai, and has been rescuing, treating, and caring for abandoned animals across Tamil Nadu. From providing hydrotherapy and wheelchairs to disabled dogs to saving animals injured in floods, fires, and poisoning incidents, the shelter has become a lifeline for animals who have nowhere else to turn.