Rachel Wright
Tree of Life for Animals (TOLFA), India, January 2020
Rachel Wright received a Rabies Hero Award for her dedication to the Tree of Life for Animals (TOLFA) charity based in India. Founded by Rachel in 2005, TOLFA has been sterilising and vaccinating dogs against rabies since the animal hospital opened 15 years ago. Together with her team she has built trust within the local community. She educates children and rural communities about the benefit of rabies vaccinations for animals and people and teaches dog bite prevention and first aid. As a part of these efforts, Rachel liaises with local humanitarian nongovernmental organizations and schools, so that when rabid dog bites are reported, a smooth rescue operation is in place, and the affected community members receive rabies vaccinations.
Raising awareness about rabies in local communities is something Rachel feels very strongly about as education is the key to a kinder and safer world. She says: “India has the highest number of rabies cases of anywhere in the world, mostly due to the high level of stray dogs living on the streets,” says Rachel. “Seeing a dog with rabies can be a part of people’s everyday life, and even as a trained veterinary professional, it can be a devastating and terrifying experience. Over the last 15 years with TOLFA working in this area, it has been amazing to see how people’s perceptions of the dogs are changing from a fear-based attitude to being kinder and more friendly toward them.”
In 2019 TOLFA reached over 1650 children plus their teachers and guardians through their Rabies Awareness Education Project.
