Our Story
Creation of the Chamba Animal Welfare Society
The Chamba Animal Welfare Society, Thiksey was established through the vision and dedication of Mr. Phuntsog Wangial. Before initiating the society, Mr. Wangial served as the General Secretary of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Leh.
Recognizing the growing need for organized efforts, he and Mr. Sonam Phunchok (Onpo) approached H.E. Kushok Thiksey with a proposal to create a dedicated welfare society. Thiksey Monastery generously allotted over 12.5 acres (100 kanals) of land near the monastery.
Inauguration of the Chamba Animal Care Center
The Chamba Animal Care Center was inaugurated by H.E. Kushok Thiksey and Ms. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, ex-Union Minister and a famous animal rights advocate on 7 July, 2024. We were blessed with the presence H.E. Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche.
What Does “Chamba” Mean?
In Ladakh, Chamba (བྱམས་པ་) refers to Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, who embodies the boundless love and compassion already present in every being. Maitreya, or Metta in Pali, literally means “Loving Kindness.”
While Avalokiteśvara (Chenrezig) embodies compassion in action, Maitreya represents compassion in becoming–the seed of loving-kindness waiting for the right conditions to bloom.
We all have the capacity to help, and we’d like to make it easy for you to help the dogs of Ladakh with your support!
Founding Members
- His Eminence Kushok Khenpo Rinpoche Thiksey
- Phuntsog Wangial
- Ven Lobzang Khenrab
- Stanzin Chosphel
- Namberdar Thiksey
- Dr. Stanzin Thakchos
- Dr. Rinchen Dolma
- Sonam Phunchok (Onpo)
- Ms. Disket Angmo
- Advocate Sonam Yangdol
- Jigmet Lotus
- Advocate Disket Wangmo
Current Executive Members
- Phuntsog Wangial, President
- Sonam Phunchok (Onpo), Treasurer
- Ms. Disket Angmo, General Secretary
- Gen. Chamba Norfail, Vice-President
- Ms. Lauren Rathvon
- Mr. BJ Graf
- Dr. Stanzin Thakchos
- Dr. Rinchen Dolma
- Advocate Sonam Yangdol
- Jigmet Lotus
- Advocate Disket Wangmo
Our Center Staff
Day-to-day rescue, operations, and care is provided by the most wonderful staff imaginable. Their compassion knows no bounds. Thank you to Ram Bahadur, Dansari, Ishpal, Vishal, Ganga, Vikash, Dhan, Depak, and Partima.
Awards
In January 2025, Phuntsog Wangial was awarded the Mahakaruna Award, recognizing his great Compassion in Action for his contribution towards animal welfare in Ladakh.
In August 2025, Phuntsog Wangial was awarded “Social Worker of the Year 2025,” as a representative of all the good work Chamba Animal Welfare Society & the Care Center do.
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Ladakh's Largest Animal Rescue
Registered under Society Act XXI of 1860
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