Mumbaikars for stray dogs: We have to be their voice

On Sunday, Mumbaikars from all walks of life came out in large numbers to protest against the recent Supreme Court order on the mass removal and confinement of stray dogs in shelters, ahead of the next hearing in the matter scheduled for January 7. Similar rallies and demonstrations were held across India, as animal feeders and activists came together to oppose the order, calling it inhuman and urging authorities to adopt compassionate and sustainable animal welfare measures. In Mumbai, protests took place in Andheri and Bandra, with animal rights NGOs holding placards and chanting slogans such as “Awara nahi, hamara hai.” Advocate Arbaaz Waris Pathan, legal representative and spokesperson for animal welfare group Rakshak, said, “This was a peaceful protest driven by love for animals and concern for society. Our only demand is compassion, accountability and lawful treatment of street dogs.” Speaking about the way forward, he said, “Our focus now is legal awareness. We want feeders and citizens to know their rights and follow lawful ways to protect animals, because violence or illegality will only weaken the cause.” Mohini Srivastava, who is associated with an animal NGO, added, “We are here to protect the strays and be their voice. These animals have been a part of our society for years. They are cared for by local communities and deserve compassion, not confinement.” ‘The city came together’ Aditi Parameshwaran, who runs an animal shelter in Dombivli, says, “People from across the city came together, including many who don’t even have pets. This march helped us reach hundreds of people who may not have known what was happening to street dogs, and that awareness was one of the biggest outcomes of the protest." She added, "Before making policies about removing and housing dogs, the authorities need to speak to people who actually run shelters. It takes far more than just space and walls — there is no planning for costs, manpower or the realities of long-term care.”