Who is Impacted?

This petition addresses the growing crisis of dog abandonment and the overall welfare of companion animals in India. This issue affects countless dogs who endure neglect, abuse, and abandonment due to:

• Weak Pet Adoption Laws: Existing laws lack provisions for responsible pet ownership and fail to protect animals from neglect or abandonment.
• Lack of Responsible Ownership: Many acquire pets without understanding the long-term commitment, leading to neglected animals with increasing medical needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's at Stake?

Millions of Lives in Peril
Imagine countless animals, our companions and fellow creatures, enduring the pain of hunger, fear, and loneliness on the streets. This is the devastating reality faced by millions of abandoned dogs and cats in India.

A Threat to Our Communities
Beyond the heartbreaking plight of these animals, their abandonment poses a significant threat to public health. The potential for disease transmission from stray animals is a growing concern. Additionally, overwhelmed shelters struggle to provide adequate care for these abandoned souls.

Evidence of a Crisis

The alarming scope of this crisis is underscored by two major reports:

• Mars Petcare State of Pet Homelessness Index (2021): This report estimated a staggering 80 million homeless dogs and cats in India, highlighting concerning abandonment rates compared to other surveyed countries.
• Mars, Incorporated's State of Pet Homelessness Project (2024): This broader global study provided a more conservative estimate of around 69.3 million homeless dogs and cats in India. However, both reports consistently demonstrate India's significant homeless pet population and concerning abandonment rate.

Why Act Now?

A Time for Compassionate Action

India's Constitution, through Article 51A(g), promotes compassion towards animals. The landmark Jallikattu case in 2014 further emphasized animal welfare as a pressing issue. However, the right to life and liberty enshrined in Article 21 doesn't explicitly address responsible pet ownership. We must seize this moment to enact meaningful change that protects both animals and our communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Demands

1. Strengthened Pet Adoption and Welfare Legislation: We urge the government to collaborate with stakeholders to develop comprehensive pet adoption and welfare laws. These laws should build upon the existing guidelines established by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and address the limitations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act).

The new legislation should prioritize:

• Spaying/neutering programs to control animal populations.
• Educational initiatives promoting responsible pet ownership.
• Clear and streamlined adoption procedures for shelters and individuals.
• Robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the legislation.

2. Promotion of Responsible Pet Ownership: We call upon the government to launch public awareness campaigns that highlight the significant commitment required for pet ownership. These campaigns should emphasize the importance of considering factors such as lifestyle compatibility, financial resources, living arrangements, and the emotional bond between pets and families. The campaigns should also address the devastating consequences of pet abandonment.

3. Collaboration with NGOs and Shelters: We urge the government to establish strong partnerships with animal welfare Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and shelters. This collaboration can facilitate initiatives like:

• Public education workshops promoting responsible pet ownership.
• Organized adoption drives to increase pet placements in loving homes.
• Fostering programs to provide temporary care for animals in need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion: Building a Compassionate Future

• Pets are sentient beings capable of deep emotional connections. The current state of pet welfare in India fails to uphold their basic right to a life free from cruelty and neglect. We urge the AWBI and the Law Commission of India to seize this opportunity to create a future where compassion for all living creatures is not just a constitutional duty, but a way of life.
• By enacting stronger pet adoption legislation, promoting responsible ownership through education campaigns, and collaborating with animal welfare organizations, we can create a more humane future for dogs and all companion animals in India. Together, we can ensure that these animals find loving homes, receive the care they deserve, and become cherished members of Indian families.

 

Call to Action

Make a Difference for Dogs and Companion Animals in India!

Sign and share this petition to raise awareness about this critical issue. Together, we can create a better future for dogs and all companion animals in India. Let your voice be heard and advocate for stronger pet adoption laws and responsible pet ownership.

Every signature counts! Share this petition with your friends, family, and network to show your support.