The Stray Animal Care and Management Centre, also known as Live to Rescue, stands as a sanctuary of hope for thousands of abandoned, injured, and suffering animals. As the center marks its 10th anniversary on October 4, it not only celebrates a decade of relentless service but also highlights the deeper bond between humans and animals.

In 2014, Leh was gripped by a crisis—stray dog attacks were on the rise, and the resulting human-animal conflict began to take a dark turn. The growing fear among locals led to desperate measures: many dogs were poisoned, discarded into rivers, or left to die, victims of the community’s frustration and helplessness. It was a time when the stray dog population was seen as a threat, not only to people but also to the balance between humanity and compassion.

This heart-wrenching situation deeply saddened His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa, who called for urgent action to address the feral dog population through Animal Birth Control (ABC) measures. He envisioned a compassionate approach—rescuing, treating, caring for, and sheltering injured, sick, and abandoned dogs. Under the guidance of His Holiness and His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche, the Stray Animal Care and Management Centre (Live to Rescue) was established in Nang village, with the land generously donated by the local villagers.

From its humble beginnings, Live to Rescue grew into a beacon of hope for animals and humans alike—a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together, united by a cause greater than itself. Over the past decade, Live to Rescue has made a remarkable impact, treating 9,725 dogs, along with 370 bulls and cows, 167 donkeys, 16 horses, and 32 sheep and goats Beyond that, the organization has facilitated the adoption of 230 dogs, both in India and abroad, helping to find loving homes for animals that had once known only neglect. 

For Rigzin Dorjey Yarma, Project Coordinator of Live to Rescue, the past ten years have been a journey of love and resilience. Having worked with the center since its inception, Rigzin has seen firsthand the transformation that compassion can bring. “The center has become a beacon of hope for many suffering animals,” he shares. “It has provided a brighter future for those who would otherwise have had no one to care for them.”

Today, the center is home to approximately 177 dogs and 113 other animals, including donkeys, horses, goats, bulls, cows, sheep, hens, and rabbits —each with its own story of struggle and survival. But beyond just offering shelter, the center is a space where animals are given a new lease on life, surrounded by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure their well-being.

His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, addressing the gathering during the 10th-anniversary celebration, emphasised the spiritual significance of caring for animals. “We all celebrate various special days in our lives, but it’s rare to hear about people observing a day for animals, despite our direct or indirect dependence on them,” he said, reflecting on the significance of World Animal Day. “It’s important to show kindness and empathy to the most vulnerable.”

His Eminence’s words echoed the Buddhist principles of compassion that form the bedrock of Live to Rescue. The center is not just a physical space—it’s a symbol of the spiritual duty to care for all sentient beings, and to recognize that every life, no matter how small or voiceless, has the right to live free from harm.

Supporting the center's mission are the Animal Husbandry Department, volunteers from across Ladakh, and local establishments like the Grand Dragon Hotel, which donates leftover food to help feed the animals. The wider community also plays a vital role, offering donations and support, ensuring that the center continues to thrive.

As part of its 10th-anniversary celebration, Live to Rescue inaugurated a newly built visitor center—a facility designed to enhance public engagement and educate visitors about animal welfare.  A documentary titled ‘Live to Rescue: A Decade of Impact’ was also screened during the event, providing an in-depth look at the organization’s work over the past decade. Presented by Rinchen Wachar, former President of YDA Leh, the film highlighted the center’s unwavering dedication to animal welfare and the countless lives it has touched.

The event’s chief guest, CEC Tashi Gyalson, extended heartfelt congratulations to Live to Rescue and commended the community’s support in establishing the center back in 2014. He acknowledged the critical role the center has played in preventing what could have been a major crisis in the region. “Without Live to Rescue, Leh would have faced a significant challenge in addressing the care of abandoned and injured animals,” he remarked, praising the leadership of His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa for his efforts across various fields, from education to environmental protection and animal rescue.

As Live to Rescue looks ahead to the future, its mission remains the same: to be a safe haven for the voiceless, a place where every animal, no matter how broken, can find comfort and care. It is a reminder that in our shared world, compassion for the most vulnerable is not just an act of kindness—it is a responsibility we all bear.
For the animals of Ladakh, Live to Rescue is more than just a shelter. It is hope, compassion, and the promise of a better tomorrow.