South Mumbai’s stray dogs lose their protector, Ratan Tata

NEW DELHI: At Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata Group, street dogs are welcome due to the affection Ratan Tata had for them.

He served as chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 to 2012 and briefly returned later. The former chairman passed away at the age of 86 at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday.

'Tata opened Bombay House to dogs'

Legend has it that once Tata was moved to see an stray dog battling it out in the rain outside Bombay House, which led to the specific instruction on allowing full access to the premise for canines.

When the group renovated the building in 2018, they included a dedicated kennel on the ground floor. It features amenities such as an area for bathing the dogs, a bunk bed for naps and climate control for comfort.

Some stray dogs have become permanent residents at Bombay House, while others are occasional visitors and receive the same care.

'Small pet hospital'

A guest at the Taj Hotel, managed by Tata Group's IHCL, recounted seeing a stray dog resting peacefully at the hotel's entrance, a practice rooted in Tata's directives.

Tata Trusts, under his leadership also set up a small pet hospital in Mumbai's Mahalaxmi area.

The bond over concern for pets connected Tata with his assistant, Shantanu Naidu. Reports say Pune-based Naidu wrote to Tata about a dog collar with reflectors to ensure dogs' safety.

(With inputs from agencies)
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.