LEGISLATIVE CHANGES NEEDED TO RESOLVE STRAY PET CRISIS

Nishma Singhal

The issue of stray pets and Malabar animals in India is complex and difficult for both the government and animal charity groups to handle. The overwhelming number of stray domestic pets, particularly dogs and cats, the majority of whom are born to live on the streets or are abandoned, is the main cause of this entire catastrophe. Systemic, humane methods of alleviating their suffering must keep pace with the increase in strays in both urban and rural regions. I believe it is time for a collective awakening—policy reform, compassion, and creativity to improve the lives of stray pets — as the founder of a pet welfare company dedicated to animal welfare and rights in India.

India’s stray animal situation is quite appalling. According to recent estimates, India alone is home to over 30 million stray dogs. These creatures are abused, neglected, malnourished, and afflicted with various illnesses. The circumstances in which these stray animals suffer are extremely apparent to any pet owners who leave their animals on the streets. They must battle for their lives every day, forage for food, navigate congested roads, and cope with human insensitivity. Cats have comparable problems. Therefore, the issue of stray pets is not just one of public health; it is also a moral dilemma.

Without a doubt, the wellbeing of stray animals has improved because to India’s animal welfare legislation, which include the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program, which focuses on dogs. However, the enforcement and extent of these legal regimes differ greatly. The current situation has been maintained due to a lack of uniform rules regarding pet abandonment, insufficient sanctions for mistreatment, and municipal governments’ inconsistent application of animal welfare policies.

India needs a comprehensive policy change that prioritizes stray animal prevention as well as protection in order to solve this problem. Among the important measures would be stricter regulations on pet ownership. For instance, requiring pet owners to vaccinate, microchip, and register their animals could reduce the number of pets that end up abandoned. In order to give alternate options for the pets in need of rehabilitating, a strong and easily accessible system of foster care and adoption must be built. Additionally, promoting stray pet sterilization initiatives through partnerships with veterinary facilities could reduce the number of strays and the suffering cycles they endure.

In addition, government support gives animal shelters and sanctuaries a chance to survive. Many of those organizations care for stray animals through volunteerism and donations; they are unable to scale and operate without government support. Animal welfare would not only be effectively handled with state funding and infrastructure support, but it would also evolve into public awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership.

Reducing the suffering of stray pets may be greatly aided by community involvement and providing for the poor. Although it is necessary to acknowledge that policies need to be changed, this must be done in tandem with the significance of community involvement and humanitarian care. It can therefore contribute to the development of a culture where people regard animals with empathy and recognize that they are sentient beings with needs, feelings, and rights. The wellbeing of strays can be greatly enhanced by the potential establishment of shared responsibility among communities, animal welfare organizations, and even individuals.

As part of a successful urban model, community efforts have evolved such as volunteer-run sterilization programs, pet feeding stations, and rescue operations. Through feeding, helping with vetting, or offering shelter, this involvement improves the situation of strays. Furthermore, adopting pets responsibly as opposed to purchasing them will likely ease the burden on public shelters and offer other strays safe havens.

The problem with stray pets is not one of animal rights; rather, it is a direct reflection of our society as a whole. A combination of progressive legislation, group community action, and personal accountability is necessary for modern society to advance in the positive development of true animal care.

Although India has a long history of caring and care for animals, it needs to put this cultural ethos into practice. As the founder of a pet welfare brand, I have personally witnessed the positive impact that partnerships, education, and awareness can have on both people and pets. Change can only be brought about by concentrated and coordinated efforts.

We have an example for India, which will serve as a glimmer of hope for the millions of stray animals who suffer in silence. We can break the cycle of cruelty and abandonment by making sure that no creature is left on the streets to fend for itself.
Change our laws, broaden our empathy, and show the way to a better, more compassionate future for all Indian animals.

Nishma Singhal is Founder, Zoivane Pets