Bulls, Oxen & Calves Rescued from Illegal Transport in India
Animal Aid Abroad, together with our local partner Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA), recently undertook a heartbreaking mission to rescue 34 animals from illegal transportation in shocking conditions. Thanks to your support, these bulls, oxen, and calves are now receiving emergency care and dignity at VSPCA’s shelter in Visakhapatnam.
Rescued from Illegal Transportation
On 27 February 2026, VSPCA was alerted by police that several cattle had been intercepted while being transported illegally in four goods vehicles. When the animals arrived at the S1 Hospital & Shelter, the situation was far worse than expected: 34 large bulls and oxen were found crammed inside, without food, water, or space for several days.
Many were severely dehydrated, exhausted, and injured — with broken legs, fractured ankles, and muscle cramps caused by overcrowding. Among them was a young calf, only one month old, underscoring the cruelty of the transport.
Rescue to Rehabilitation
VSPCA’s veterinary team immediately began emergency treatment, administering fluids, clean water, and nutritious feed. For four continuous days, staff worked intensively to stabilize the animals. Two remain in critical condition under close supervision.
This rescue revealed serious violations of animal welfare laws. Once recovered, the animals will be rehomed through carefully screened adoptions to small-scale farmers who rely on bullocks for traditional, humane agricultural work.
As part of AAA’s Working Animal Assistance approach, VSPCA will:
Provide medical treatment and rehabilitation until full recovery.
Identify responsible farmers for adoption.
Monitor adoptions to ensure humane treatment.
Guide farmers on proper care, nutrition, and working conditions.
Among the rescued animals was a young calf (only about one month old), highlighting the extent of cruelty involved in the illegal transport situation.
For four continuous days, our veterinary staff worked intensively to stabilise the animals through fluid therapy, medication, and supportive care.
At present, two animals remain in critical condition and are under close veterinary supervision.
This rescue revealed serious violations of animal welfare laws and transport regulations. Once the animals recover fully, VSPCA plans to rehome them through carefully screened adoptions to small-scale farmers who rely on bullocks for traditional and humane agricultural cultivation.
As part of our Working Animal Assistance approach, VSPCA will:
Provide medical treatment and rehabilitation until the animals are fully recovered.
Identify responsible farmers for adoption who follow traditional farming practices.
Conduct regular monitoring to ensure the animals are treated humanely and remain in good health.
Provide guidance to farmers on proper care, nutrition, and working conditions for the cattle.
At present, all the rescued animals remain under our veterinary care at the VSPCA S1 Hospital and Shelter in Visakhapatnam. We will provide further updates in the next quarter regarding their recovery and rehabilitation progress.
Continued Care of Sponsored Animals
With AAA’s sponsorship, VSPCA continues to care for large working animals at its shelters:
Shelter 1 – Marikavalasa: 8 buffaloes and 1 horse
Shelter 2 – Kindness Farm, Koravada: 50 buffaloes and 3 horses
Daily management includes feeding, preventive veterinary care, treatment for minor injuries, and protection from weather extremes. These animals are showing steady improvement in health, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.
Well-Being and Shelter Care Updates
During this quarter, all sponsored animals remained safe, stable, and well cared for. Daily management at both shelters included:
Regular feeding with nutritious fodder and clean drinking water.
Preventive veterinary care, including deworming and health monitoring.
Treatment for minor injuries and age-related conditions.
Comfortable shelter, protection from weather extremes, and freedom from exploitation.
The buffaloes and horses have shown steady improvement in physical condition, calm behaviour, and overall well-being. Continuous monitoring ensures early identification of any health concerns and timely veterinary intervention.
Conclusion and Appreciation
This mission highlights the cruelty of illegal transport and the urgent need for intervention. Through the partnership between VSPCA and Animal Aid Abroad, bulls, oxen, calves, buffaloes, and horses are receiving the care, compassion, and second chance they deserve.
Your support makes this possible. Together, we are turning burden into care and proving that local partnerships are the key to global change.