Fighting Animal Cruelty & Promoting Compassion
We believe compassion isn't passive. From reforming wedding traditions to fighting the illegal donkey skin trade, we are here to hold space for the animals who have no voice in our city.
Behind the glamour of many wedding traditions lies the suffering of horses. They endure loud noises, heavy loads, and painful spiked bits, often leading to long-term damage and abandonment.
"This world is so big, but I feel like it has no place for me." This is the sad plight of donkeys, who are often seen as disposable beasts of burden.
This infographic details the kind of abuse donkeys are forced to endure. From being beaten and overloaded to being denied basic food and water, their suffering is immense.
India's donkey population has declined by 61% in a decade, largely due to the illegal donkey skin trade. Despite a ban, the trade continues, driven by international demand.
The impact of neglect is devastating. Without proper care, donkeys become malnourished and vulnerable to disease. They are often abandoned when they are no longer seen as profitable.
The silent suffering of these animals is heartbreaking. Physical violence leads to long-lasting emotional trauma, fear, and anxiety that stays with them for life.
Every donkey deserves to live a life free from cruelty, with love and safety. Our rescued donkeys at the sanctuary are a testament to how they can thrive when given a chance.
About this collection
If you have seen horses at weddings or donkeys being exploited on our streets, it is easy to feel helpless. We do not just protest; we provide on-the-ground support like deworming and medical checkups for working ponies in Bangalore, and we fight the legal battles that keep the donkey skin trade and cruel practices alive. When you reach out to us, you are helping us gather the resources to intervene exactly where these animals need us most.
The Truth Behind Tradition
In Bangalore, we often see horses used for wedding processions. It looks festive, but beneath the decorations are spiked bits, heavy carriages, and endless hours in chaotic, noisy traffic. These animals suffer from physical exhaustion and deep psychological trauma. Similarly, the donkey population in India has seen a staggering decline of over 60 percent in a decade, driven by the illegal donkey skin trade. These are not just statistics; they are sentient beings living in pain.
Advocacy, Not Just Rescue
At CUPA, we believe in science, not fear. Our advocacy work focuses on three main pillars:
- Education: Changing public perception about working animals like ponies and donkeys.
- Legal Intervention: Fighting against illegal breeding, cruelty in trade, and the exploitation of animals for entertainment.
- Direct Support: Our outreach programs provide medical care—deworming, vaccination, and nutrition—to working animals whose owners often struggle to afford basic care. We do not want to just punish owners; we want to improve the life quality of the animal.
Join the Movement
Awareness is the first step toward change. Whether you want to report an instance of cruelty, learn how to support our legal advocacy fund, or volunteer at our LARRC (Large Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) to see the difference compassion makes, we are listening. We have been here for 34 years, and with your help, we will continue to be the voice for the voiceless.
Cupa
We are CUPA—Compassion Unlimited Plus Action. For 34 years, we have been the safety net for Bangalore’s injured, abandoned, and exploited animals, moving beyond just shelter to fight for systemic change and better laws.
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