Bangalore Mirror covers the CSR issue - and need to actively include Animal Welfare for PSUs & Cos

Petition seeks CSR recognition for animal welfare (Bangalore Mirror 18 May 2026) 

Petition urges government to unlock unused corporate funds for decentralised animal care initiatives tackling rabies risks, stray populations and safety

 

An online petition is calling on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to formally include animal welfare as a recognised category under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending in India. The appeal argues that large amounts of CSR funds remain unspent each year or are used for short-term projects, while stray animal management and public safety concerns continue to grow in many cities and towns.

 

The campaign highlights that animal welfare is not just an ethical concern, but also a public health and safety issue. It points to the large population of stray dogs across India and the continued risk of rabies transmission. Advocates say better use of CSR funds could help address these challenges through structured local programmes.

 

The petition was started after a recent amendment by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which allowed CSR spending on animal welfare under ecological and sustainable development activities. Campaigners say this shows that policy change is possible through a simple update in CSR guidelines and could be expanded across all sectors.

 

At the centre of the proposal is the idea of decentralised animal welfare projects. These include Animal Birth Control (ABC) sterilisation programmes, anti-rabies vaccination drives, local animal shelters, rescue services and awareness campaigns in communities. Supporters argue that such projects are easier to implement at the local level and can deliver faster and more visible results compared to large infrastructure-based CSR projects.

 

The petition, initiated by CJ Memorial Trust, also highlights public health data suggesting that India accounts for a significant share of global rabies deaths. It points out that improving vaccination coverage and controlling stray populations can directly reduce dog-bite incidents and save lives. Campaigners also refer to successful examples such as the Jaipur model, where coordinated sterilisation and vaccination programmes have reportedly helped reduce human-animal conflict over time.

 

While animal welfare has been included in clause (iv) of Schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013, it is time that companies actually took note of the same and started including Animal welfare activities on par with human welfare.

 

Outcomes and Outputs in animal welfare projects are tangible, visible and impactful.

Another key recommendation is the creation of a simplified approval or “green channel” system that would allow companies to directly partner with recognised animal welfare organisations, shelters and veterinary clinics without long administrative delays.

 

The petition also points out that animal welfare projects can improve corporate-community relationships. Campaigners argue that companies investing in visible local initiatives such as vaccination drives or shelter support often gain stronger public trust and employee engagement.

 

A member of CJ Memorial Trust said animal welfare is closely linked to community wellbeing and that directing CSR funds towards decentralised animal care can improve public health, safety and coexistence. The campaign also highlights the “One Health” approach, linking human, animal and environmental health through better vaccination and population management.