Dr. Tapesh Mathur, a veterinarian who serves at the Rural Veterinary Polyclinic in Jaipur, used to see numerous cases of amputation in animals. Most of these animals, especially cows, would lose their limbs in vehicle accidents. Dr. Tapesh performed surgeries and allowed the animals to be taken back by their owners. But he was always wary about the future of these animals. “They could not walk or lead normal lives. Their owners wouldn’t have the means to take care of invalid animals. This thought disturbed me for many years and I wished to do something for the animals. That is how I started researching the subject of prosthetics for animals,” says Dr. Tapesh.
Dr. Tapesh is a pioneer in India in making prosthetic for animals. Practically no research and work has been done in our country for this cause.
He started making lightweight moulds that could fit heavy animals like cows, something that had never been attempted before. He experimented with the moulds on a couple of amputee cows, only to see them fail. But Dr. Tapesh knew he shouldn’t give up.
Dr. Tapesh says, "We do not feel like taking money for what we do. What we do is like a moral responsibility. We humans have inflicted this plight on the animals. It is our duty to make sure they lead dignified lives."