1. Introduction and Background

- The 'Maitri' Initiative is a joint venture by The Murty Trust and Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA).

- This community cat sterilisation centre was launched in Bangalore on January 1, 2024.

- The project is a representation of the dedicated commitment to address issues concerning India's animal welfare sector.

2. The Objective of the Initiative and Its Significance

- The primary objective of the 'Maitri' Initiative is to regulate the stray cat population and to resolve the overpopulation problem.

- This move is a part of the 'One Health' challenge which focuses on improving the health and well-being of people, animals and environment.

- CUPA has already been successful in sterilising over 5000 community cats since 2018 through its community enablement model for cat Animal Birth Control (ABC).

- With the resources provided by The Murty Trust, it aims to further increase this impact and effectively control the community cat population.

3. General Knowledge Aspects

- The Murty Trust, a philanthropic entity, has been known for its numerous initiatives and endeavours to enhance the welfare of the society in various sectors including animal welfare.

- Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) is a non-profit organisation, working for the welfare of animals in India. Established in 1991, it is known for its various programs related to pet adoption, rescue and rehabilitation, and animal birth control among others.

- The 'One Health' challenge is an initiative designed to attain optimal health for people, animals and our environment. It is a concept recognised globally, emphasising that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.

Conclusion:

The 'Maitri Initiative' marks a significant milestone in the field of animal welfare in India. With collaborative efforts such as these, the health and wellbeing of animals can be safeguarded, and issues such as overpopulation can be efficiently addressed.