Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened (Anatole France, 1844-1924)
H umane Animal Society (HAS) was started in 2006 to address animal welfare in the city of Coimbatore, and to carry out the critical function of Animal Birth Control (ABC). HAS is a public non-profit organisation registered with Government of Tamil Nadu as a trust under certificate no. 998/2006 under section 12A (a) of the IT act 1961. Consequently, all financial contributions are tax-exempt under section 80(g).
HAS is a group of people who believe that the power of compassion, love and kindness will make a meaningful and positive difference to the lives of the animals around us. We strive to rescue, treat, rehabilitate, feed, and love the animals that need us the most.
The mission statement of HAS is to mitigate animal suffering through humane ABC, rescue, treatment and rehabilitation. To spread awareness about animal rights through education in schools. To empower humans by providing them with a platform to contribute to the cause in their own unique way. Our vision is of a compassionate society where exploitation and abuse of animals is a thing of the past, and a future where all animals can claim their place on this Earth.
Partnerships, memberships, awards and other recognitions
HAS has partnered with a number of organisations, some of whom are mentioned below, and we have also won the occasional award or acknowledgment for our work for the animals of Coimbatore and beyond.

GuideStar India
GuideStar India is India’s largest and most reliable NGO information repository with a fully searchable database containing information about more than 10,000 Indian NGOs. More than 1,400 of these, including HAS, have undergone due diligence, forming India's largest pool of certified NGOs. An NGO that is certified by GuideStar demonstrates its commitment to being a transparent and accountable organisation.
Animal Welfare Board of India
HAS was recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) in 2008 with recognition number TN175/08. AWBI is a statutory advisory body for the Government of India's Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. AWBI oversees animal welfare organisations by granting recognition to them if they meet its guidelines. The organisation must submit paperwork, agree to nominate a representative for AWBI's executive committee, and submit to regular inspections. After meeting these requirements and an inspection, the organisation is considered for grant of recognition.
Animal Welfare Board of India
Animal Welfare Board of India Certificate of Recognition (pdf, 752 kB)
Humane Society International
HAS has been a partner of Humane Society International (HSI) since 2013. HSI works around the globe to promote the human-animal bond, rescue and protect dogs and cats, improve farm animal welfare, protect wildlife, promote animal-free testing and research, and to respond to natural disasters and confront cruelty to animals in all of its forms. HSI cooperates with policymakers on international treaties and free trade agreements to conduct briefings and to help draft legislation, regulations, policy statements and resolutions affecting animals. HSI supports the efforts of governments, industries and NGOs to promote the protection of animals through trade capacity building projects in developing countries and international campaigns to reduce suffering caused by exploitation of marine mammals, factory farming, the fur trade, trophy hunting, and animal fighting and cruelty.
Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations
HAS has been a member of the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) since 2010. FIAPO was registered under the Indian Trust Act 1882, and is a collective of animal protection organisations in India that help, represent, connect, and inform, animal protection organisations and activists across India. FIAPO also undertakes campaigns for purposes that are uncatered for, and carry out research on rights for animals. FIAPO promotes five basic freedoms, specifically for animals and generally for all living beings: 1) Freedom from hunger and thirst by providing access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour. 2) Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate shelter and resting area. 3) Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment. 4) Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind. 5) Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations
Nari Shakti Puraskar 2018 award for Mini Vasudevan
Mini Vasudevan, founder and managing trustee of HAS, received the Nari Shakti Puraskar 2018 award as a passionate animal activist who, through her work with HAS, is responsible for having improved and saved the lives of countless animals through the undertaking of ABC and ARV programs, treatment, rehabilitation and rehoming of rescued animals, by holding frequent adoption camps, and by conducting humane education programs to educate children and adults about animal welfare and environmental sustainability with the purpose of sensitising them on being kind and compassionate to all species.
Nari Shakti Puraskar
Nari Shakti Puraskar on wikipedia
Nari Shakti Puraskar 2018 recipients
Nari Shakti Puraskar 2018 - Ministry of Women and Child Development - Mini Vasudevan (pdf, 374 kB)
Nondi, the HAS mascot
We would like to introduce to you our shelter mascot, Nondi, who is in the top-photo in a typical Nondi pose, and just below in more relaxed state. His is a story of adversities, hope, survival and winning against all odds. For many years, Nondi was the first face to greet anyone who came to the ABC and Rescue Centre.
Nondi was badly hurt when he was brought into the centre in 2008 with three broken limbs. He was in quite a hopeless state, and needed immediate treatment. Weeks of intensive care eventually helped this little fighter get back on his feet, although with a severe limp. This adorable gait became his signature, which shouted out his will to survive! During the period of treatment, he bonded very well with our staff and vets. But with even fully healthy dogs not getting adopted, we realized that the chances of him finding a home a was quite slim. That, combined with his comfort within the unit and with the staff, made him a permanent resident at the ABC and Rescue Centre.
Nondi was an extremely friendly dog, often doing inspection rounds in the centre. He was even known for bringing back a few dogs that ran away! Nondi was affectionate to other animals, and to random people who came in to get their pets treated. His inspection rounds would carry on till late at night, when he would also take on the duty of a guard. This boy was obedient too. He knew to keep his nose off the food until he was given his bowl and he knew that the operation theatre was off-limits for him, even when there was no one around.
We've had different people working with us for different periods of time, and everyone who met Nondi would testify that it was a pleasure having him around. His semi-toothless grin warmed the hearts of both staff and the others who visited the ABC and Rescue Centre.
Nondi symbolises what HAS as an organisation stands for: to be able to rise up against all adversities. When many thought there was little chance for him to get back on his paws, Nondi fought a difficult battle to recover and show everyone that nothing is too hard for a fighter; and that even with a big disability, a dog can have a happy, content life. To members of HAS, he has been and will always be a special boy and we all agree that there is no one better to be the HAS mascot than this tough little survivor!
In February 2015, Nondi's health started failing. He was running high temperatures, and when blood tests returned with reduced kidney and liver functions, we knew that the time had come... Like all great souls, he left this world in peace without much suffering, and we were all happy for that. His body was laid to rest in the evening of 24 February. He was believed to have been 15 years old when he died.
