Jayashree Pulugurthi – An RJ with a big heart for animals

Jayashree Pulugurthi, a radio jokey at FM Rainbow (101.9), is dedicated to rescue, rehabilitate and provide help to sick, injured, and abused domestic animals, a majority of them being dogs. Attending to rescues is a very challenging job. But, that hasn’t stopped Jayashree Pulugurth from being an active volunteer for animal welfare for years.

Since when have you been an RJ?

Jayashree Pulugurthi – I was selected to be on the hot seat and won 3.2 lakhs in Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu, a Telugu version of KBC. During the show, I was asked about my passion and what I would love to be, by the Host, Nagarjuna sir, and I expressed that someday I wish to become an RJ.

I also got an opportunity to sing and render a jock talk like a radio jockey. So, after watching the show, people started recognizing me since then. My family encouraged me to audition, and I got selected as an RJ in All India Radio. I started working for AIR FM Rainbow 101.9 as a casual Radio Jockey, conducting live shows and interviews on air since April 2015. I do both Hindi and English shows in the 9 AM to12 PM slots.

Between May 2016 to July 2016, I volunteered as a Radio Jockey for Tri-State Radio Zindagi in New Jersey, USA. I started hosting events as an Emcee and indulged in Theatre, Acting, and Stand up Comedy. I am presently a part of the Improv comedy and Hyderabad’s only active Improv team, the Iryani Improv of Improv comedy Hyderabad.

When did you start rescuing animals?

Jayashree Pulugurthi – My love for animals started at home. Mom used to rescue crows and sparrows when I was young and bring home sick puppies found on the road. We then heard about Blue Cross Hyderabad, and since then, there was no looking back.

I met the co-founder of BCH, Amala Akkineni mam, and the fantastic BCH team, along with so many volunteers and like-minded people. They taught me about well being of street animals, including ABC (Animal birth control), Sterilization, ARV Vaccinations of stray dogs and cats to reduce the stray animal population and create rabies-free communities. Rehabilitation and adoption of rescued animals and taking care of shelter animals as well.

Have you done some training to save these animals?

Jayashree Pulugurthi – I was a frequent visitor at Blue Cross during weekends. The BCH team and the PFA (People for animals), and HSI (Humane society international) started conducting workshops and training sessions with doctors regarding first aid, technical rescues, and dealing with emergency cases. Various activities like public outreach programs, awareness campaigns, taking a census of street dogs for the ABC program were a part of the weekend activities. Back then, there were very few volunteers, unlike now.

Today, I can say there are a decent number of volunteers in Hyderabad who are coming forward, and the community is growing, thanks to the social media for keeping us connected to ensure that rescues are done on time and without delay. I then met this excellent team named “Animal warriors India,” headed by Pradeep Nair, a passionate animal and wildlife rescuer in Hyderabad. I became a part of his team only to be trained and supported in the fieldwork of rescues. There is a lot more to learn, though, and the learning will continue.

How do you transport these canines?

Jayashree Pulugurthi – My bike is almost like an ambulance. We are a dynamic team of few people in the city connected on WhatsApp. We work during the day and attend to rescues at night. People for Animals (PFA) and the volunteers coordinate and attend rescues in the city. Fortunately, Most doctors provide free treatment or immediate first aid for rescues. The clinic at Bluecross gives free treatment every day from 10 AM to 12 PM for animals, and People for Animals (PFA) is actively involved in attending rescues and dealing with the negligence and cruelty cases in Hyderabad.

Aren’t you afraid of being bitten?

Jayashree Pulugurthi – I got bitten multiple times during rescues, but that didn’t stop me from saving a life in distress. However, we are trained to be safe during the rescues, and we are also strictly advised to take the Anti rabies vaccine every year and be taught to identify a rabid dog by its symptoms. Even a scratch where there is contact with blood needs to be treated with anti-rabies vaccines.

What training have you undergone?

Jayashree Pulugurthi – Apart from the introductory training sessions for rescuing animals, I participated in HAWO (Honorary Animal Welfare Officer) training sessions in Hyderabad. It was conducted by Humane society international, associated with the Blue Cross of Hyderabad and People for Animals.

I learned about the Wildlife protection Act 1972, the PCA prevention of cruelty to animals, and various rules and laws. These include transportation rules, rules for slaughtering animals in licensed slaughterhouses, and much more, which made me realize there is a lot more suffering than animals go through, which we are ignorant of. I was a part of awareness campaigns and training sessions regarding Animal welfare.

Is this work challenging for Jayashree Pulugurthi?

Jayashree Pulugurthi – Every day, I come across multiple cases where we come across disturbing scenes of the accident, hit and run cases which sometimes results in multiple fractures for animals. People are hitting animals on the street, including throwing hot water on them, negligence of owners abandoning their pets, sometimes senior pets just are abandoned on the road, Illegal breeders and their malicious activities. Sometimes, Animal welfare volunteers are harassed by the communities. 

Some cases include Dogs and cats falling into wells, getting their head stuck in metal gates; during summers, we see dogs being dehydrated and found in flat condition, Maggot wound cases, and whatnot. During Sankranti time, we get so many rescue calls due to birds entangled in Chinese manjaa. During Diwali, we receive calls of animals being victimized by crackers. Did you know that Snakes are starved for days together to get them to drink milk during Naga Panchami?

Hundreds of people across the city are doing a great job. We put up many posts for adoptions and ensure we do our best to get a new home for the abandoned pets. The biggest challenge is the funds, so we spend a lot from our pocket for the rescues. One of the solutions to stop animal cruelty and help animals is to spread awareness, and I am lucky to be an RJ where Radio is helping me to do so.

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