Animal rescuers in India have often found it difficult in getting immediate aid for injured animals. Many a time, animals have died before any help could arrive, with bystanders simply expressing pity and turning their face away.

But now the Department of Animal Husbandry in Karnataka is launching a Special Mobile Ambulance Service on the lines of 108 Ambulance service, in parts of the state, reported The Times of India. The service includes a veterinary doctor, who will come with the ambulance.

The newspaper reported that people will have to call toll-free helpline (1800-425-0012) to reach the service. The ambulance along with a veterinary doctor and compounder will arrive and the animal will be treated on the spot, said a senior officer in the department.

The service that currently focuses on cattle and sheep was launched in Hassan by district in-charge and animal husbandry minister A Manju on an experimental basis, reported The Times of India.

“The service will be expanded to all districts in a phased manner. Each taluk will have one ambulance equipped with a doctor and attendant,” said Manju.

“Though the scheme had been mooted earlier last year, it failed to take off due to financial constraints. Now we have got the chief minister's nod to buy ambulances for all taluks, which will roughly cost Rs 7-10 crore,” he added.

“The ambulance will have medical equipment like surgical instruments, sterilizer, and support tools for the treatment of animals suffering from diseases or injured in accidents. The ambulance will be useful particularly for accidents which occur during odd hours,” said the senior official.

The ambulance unit will work in shifts of six hours from 9 am to 6 pm.

The minister said that over 60 vets have been recruited for this service alone. First

Aid and life-saving drugs will be administered on the spot.

Officials said services will be provided to pets (dogs or cats) only in emergency cases and a user fee will be charged.