Sentient Creatures

Ms. Chitra Besbroda founded Sentient Creatures, Inc. In 1994. Sentient Creatures is a non-profit animal rescue institution that concentrates on rescuing Harlems “junkyard dogs.” Chitra has rescued over 3,500 abused and neglected dogs and placed them into new loving homes. After much effort to try and contact Chitra, I was unable to schedule an interview with her. Luckily, the website has an entire page explaining how she began her journey to save these animals, and what the experience has been like. 

1.) What made Chitra want to dedicate her life to rescuing animals?

Growing up, Chitra’s parents placed a huge importance on pets and the treatment of animals in their household. About 20 years ago she saved her first dog, Teddy. Teddy was a German Shepard who was trapped behind closed doors with no food or care. Chitra was able to feed him through the keyhole of the door and eventually rescued him. After that she dedicated her life to saving needy animals in Harlem. 

2.) What has been the biggest struggle?

The original shelter was taken from the organization in 2000. After buying a building in 1997, there was many noise complaints and the residents around the building tried to get the shelter evicted. After winning the law suit, the shelter was still evicted once their lease had ended in 2000. In addition, Chitra explains the many hostile environments she has experienced while saving animals. Chitra has been reported for trespassing and for theft while trying to save animals. On the website Chitra explains that she has had to worry about her own safety while rescuing animals.

She's been seriously attacked on three different occasions and verbally abused countless times by the owners. "It's always there," says Besbroda. "There's always a threat and the possibility that I'll not return after going into Harlem to rescue the dogs or feed them."

3.) What do you do to ensure the animals you have rescued go to a good home?

Placing an animal can take months. After receiving medical care upon arrival, the animal will stay at the shelter to assure they recover successfully. For adoption, the shelter requires 4 references, a criminal screening and a home visit. 

"Among all the struggle, Besbroda maintains her vision to one day have her own shelter where she can house "her" animals temporarily until new homes can be found. "I am dreaming of how they will have the play area, what they will eat, what music they will listen to, how I'll get services from dog trainers to train the ones who are biters."

Her awards include:

"Heart of Gold" award - Animal Medical Center 

"Unsung Hero" award -  Veterinary Medical Association. 

 Roger Caras, former president of the ASPCA,  named Chitra "Mother Teresa for Animals".

The Sentient Creatures website seems to not have been updated in the past 5 years - and in addition to not being able to contact Chitra, It is worrisome to think that the shelter never made a recovery after being evicted in 2000. No matter what, Chitra is still living in New York and undoubtably still saving animals. The website is:

http://www.sentientcreatures.org/front.html