Frequently Asked Questions

GOCAF – Global Organization For Community Animal Freedom Foundation – is a Hyderabad-based animal welfare NGO that operates at the intersection of law, compassion, public health, and community governance. We run structured programmes for community animal management including spay-neuter drives, feeder registration, emergency rescue, and legal advocacy for feeders and animal lovers.

GOCAF is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana (502032). Our operations currently cover all zones of Hyderabad including Kondapur, Madhapur, Gachibowli, Banjara Hills, Old City, Secunderabad, Kukatpally, and more. We are expanding to Bengaluru, Chennai, and other Indian cities.

Yes, GOCAF is a registered organisation operating under Indian law. For registration details, compliance documents, and annual reports, please contact us at info@gocaf.global.

GOCAF was founded by Deepthika Palati, a passionate animal welfare advocate based in Hyderabad. Deepthika built GOCAF with the vision of transforming animal welfare from reactive rescue into structured, law-backed community governance.

Community animals (also called stray or free-roaming animals) are dogs, cats, and other animals that live in urban or semi-urban environments and depend on human communities for food and shelter. In India, these animals are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.

No. Under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, feeding, relocating, or killing community dogs is unlawful. The Supreme Court of India and multiple High Courts have ruled that community animals have a right to live where they are born. Housing societies and RWAs cannot forcibly remove sterilised community dogs. GOCAF can help your community set up a structured management plan.

GOCAF follows the internationally recognised Animal Birth Control (ABC) approach — catch, sterilise, vaccinate, and return. This is proven to be the only sustainable method for reducing stray dog populations. We partner with GHMC, certified veterinarians, and local shelters to run regular ABC camps.

Yes. Feeding community animals is a protected activity under the PCA Act, 1960 and has been upheld by multiple Indian courts. The Kerala High Court (2022) and Bombay High Court have specifically ruled that feeding community dogs is legal and cannot be prohibited by housing societies or local bodies. GOCAF can help you register as a feeder and document your feeding zone.

Do not panic — you are protected by law. Here are your immediate steps:

• Document all threats in writing (WhatsApp, email, notice board)
• Register as a feeder with GOCAF (free, takes 10 minutes)
• Contact GOCAF on +91 93901 89589 — we will guide you step by step
• File a complaint with your local Animal Welfare Board or police if threatened with violence

GOCAF has supported over 25 feeders in Hyderabad through legal disputes.

Registration is free and takes about 10 minutes. WhatsApp us at +91 93901 89589 or email info@gocaf.global with your name, area, and feeding location. We will send you a digital feeder registration card and add you to our protected network.

Anyone can volunteer with GOCAF — no prior experience is required, only compassion and commitment. We have roles for rescue volunteers, content creators, legal aids, trainers, and tech volunteers. Visit our Jobs page or WhatsApp us at +91 93901 89589 to sign up.

All GOCAF volunteers receive free training through the GOCAF Academy covering: animal first aid, safe handling, legal rights documentation, cruelty reporting protocols, and community conflict resolution. Trained volunteers receive a GOCAF certification.

No fixed minimum — we welcome one-time event volunteers and regular weekly contributors equally. We do ask that emergency response volunteers maintain availability for at least 2 weekends per month.

Call our 24/7 Emergency Helpline immediately: +91 93901 89589. While waiting:

• Keep the animal calm and in a shaded area
• Do not move a severely injured animal unless it is in immediate danger
• Do not offer food or water to an unconscious animal
• Photograph the location for our team

Our team aims to respond within 45 minutes across Hyderabad.

Our average response time is 45 minutes across Hyderabad. In dense urban zones (Kondapur, Banjara Hills, Madhapur, Gachibowli), our response is typically 20–30 minutes. We operate 24/7 including weekends and public holidays.

Witnessing cruelty is distressing but it is important to document and report it properly. Steps:

• Record a video / photograph — this is your most important evidence
• Do not intervene physically if you risk harm
• Call GOCAF on +91 93901 89589
• File an FIR at the nearest police station under Section 11 of the PCA Act, 1960

GOCAF will guide you through the full complaint process at no cost.

The key laws are:

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act) — prohibits all forms of animal cruelty
• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 — governs community dog management; prohibits relocation and killing
• IPC Section 428 & 429 — criminal penalties for killing or maiming animals
• Multiple High Court and Supreme Court orders — upholding the rights of feeders and community animals

Yes. GOCAF has a legal aid team that helps feeders, volunteers, and animal welfare workers navigate legal challenges at no cost. We assist with documentation, FIR filing, complaints to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), and connecting you with animal welfare lawyers.

Every rupee donated goes toward: emergency medical care for rescued animals, spay-neuter surgeries, feeder registration and legal support, GOCAF Academy training materials, and rescue equipment. We publish annual reports with full financial transparency.

Absolutely. We welcome in-kind donations including dog/cat food, veterinary medicines, first aid supplies, cages, carriers, and blankets. Contact us at +91 93901 89589 or email us to arrange a drop-off.

Please contact us at info@gocaf.global for current 80G certification status. We are committed to full compliance and transparency on all charitable contributions.