The Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF), established in 2013, stands as Pakistan’s first and largest animal rescue organization. Founded by Ayesha Chundrigar, the foundation has become a beacon of hope for countless animals in distress, advocating for compassion, empathy, and systemic change in animal welfare across the country.
Vision and Mission
ACF envisions a kinder world where humans and animals coexist harmoniously. Their mission is to build a compassionate society through empathy, rehabilitation, and advocacy, empowering both animals and humans to live in healthy, safe environments.
Here You Can See the Location Of Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF)
Key Initiatives and Programs
1. Mobile Animal Hospital
ACF’s Mobile Animal Hospital is a fully equipped veterinary clinic on wheels, traveling to underserved communities to provide free treatments, vaccinations, sterilization surgeries, and other medical interventions for pets of underprivileged families.
2. Science-Backed Therapy Dog Program
Certified therapy dogs from ACF offer affection and comfort to individuals in need, including hospital patients, children with special needs, and trauma survivors. This empirically-studied animal-assisted therapy has shown measurable improvements in mental and emotional well-being.
3. Donkey Welfare Initiative
ACF’s Donkey Welfare Initiative focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned donkeys, providing education on proper care, and advocating against unethical practices. In 2022, their efforts led the Sindh government to officially ban the unethical trade of donkey hides.
4. Annual Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Drive
Through its annual drive, ACF has vaccinated over 15,000 pets against rabies, significantly contributing to public health and animal welfare.
5. Humane Education Programs in Rural Schools
ACF promotes compassion and kindness towards all living beings by teaching over 5,000 children empathy and respect for animals through its humane education curriculum in underserved schools.
Community Outreach and Awareness
“Masti Finds a Home” – Children’s Book Launch
In 2022, ACF launched its first children’s book, Masti Finds a Home, aimed at teaching kindness and empathy towards animals. The story follows a stray dog named Masti who finds love and care from a compassionate family, inspiring others in the community to do the same. The book is available in both English and Urdu, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Nationwide Animal Care Course
ACF introduced Pakistan’s first-ever Nationwide Animal Care Course, a six-session program led by Ayesha Chundrigar herself. The course covers topics such as understanding stray animals’ behavior, rescue techniques, and humane treatment practices, aiming to educate and empower individuals across the country.
Environmental Initiatives
Ghost Net Dog Leashes
In 2018, ACF won the WWF Green Innovation Challenge for creating Pakistan’s first handmade dog leashes made from 100% ghost net. The project involves engaging fishermen to extract discarded fishing nets from the oceans, which are then transformed into durable leashes by local women artisans. This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also empowers communities economically.
Rescue and Rehabilitation
ACF operates a sanctuary that houses over 500 animals, providing them with medical care, rehabilitation, and a safe haven. The foundation’s rescue operations include a dedicated helpline, rescue ambulances, and a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation program. Additionally, ACF has been granted permission by the Sindh Wildlife Department to treat and rehabilitate wildlife, further expanding its scope of care.
Recognition and Awards
Ayesha Chundrigar, the founder and CEO of ACF, has been recognized for her unwavering dedication to animal welfare. She has received the HUM Women Leaders Award, been honored as a Hero and Pride of Pakistan at the Pakistan Super League, and won an international competition for best work at Facebook in America.
How You Can Support
ACF relies on the support of donors, volunteers, and partners to continue its mission. Individuals can contribute by donating funds, volunteering time, or participating in awareness campaigns and educational programs. For more information on how to get involved, visit ACF Animal Rescue.
