We can’t think of a better way to mark one entering the big Thirties… Anushka Sharma has announced that she is building an animal shelter on the outskirts of Mumbai. The girl, who is an avid animal lover and supporter of animal rights, asked her fans and well-wishers to help with time, support and advice to make the animal home a place that looks after fellow living beings with care and compassion.

Last year, the actress had been named the PETA 2017 Person of the Year for her wide-reaching work for animals. The organisation had lauded her for being a “proud animal rights proponent whose kindness and initiative know no bounds.”

There have been several instances when Anushka has spoken up and done her bit for animal rights…

She had taken to Twitter to demand a ban on horse carriage rides in Mumbai where often lame horses are forced to haul passengers in all weather extremes without adequate rest, food or water.

While shooting for Jab Harry Met Sejal in Lisbon, she had saved the life of an injured seagull. While walking on the beach, she came across a seagull with a hurt wing that was in distress. She brought the bird back to her room and took the help of a local resident and her team to get the bird proper medical care till it recovered.

While promoting Phillauri, Anushka used an image of a doggie smeared with Holi colours to send out a strong message. Animals don’t like colours, she pointed out, suggesting that humans play Holi with other humans.

A couple of years ago, she had shared a pic of herself with her pet Dude. ‘Why so sad, Dude?’ she asks. ‘Diwali is round the corner,’ Dude replies. “Show compassion this Diwali. Loud noises and residue of firecrackers cause intense damage to animals and birds,” she advised alongside.

She also does her bit for our feathered friends. Posting images of birdbaths, she reminds, “I request you all to place drinking water in bowls etc in and around your homes and offices for birds to drink from. Summer's here and they need your help.”