‘No dog, no vote’: protest rally in Pune against Animal Welfare Board’s SOP for management of stray dogs

“No one will love you as much as a dog; the wagging tail melts stress away,” Abuhaideri said.

“AWBI was our only hope for protection, but they let us down,” said Shalini Narona, a protester.

Protesters fear an agenda related to the dog meat trade, citing a withdrawn livestock bill attempt and criticising the lack of shelters that leads to cruelty. “Where are the shelters in India? They are nonexistent,” said Natalie, another protester.

“There have been instances where dogs were poisoned, and dog lovers were physically attacked. Near my home, I was struck after I rescued a dog,” said Bobby Ghosh.

“A mob attacked the dog, and a man hit me with a stick as I was filming the incident,” said Sneha Despande.

“Society punishes me for feeding dogs,” said Naseem.

Abuhaideri encouraged youth involvement to raise awareness. “We are at the age where we can bring change, don’t be a WhatsApp warrior, come to the streets,” said Anuva Joseph, 23.

Saish, 11, said, “My dog, who died at 14, helped me study; that is why I’m fighting for street dogs.”

Abuhaideri demanded non-partisan accountability. “What have parties done and what will they do? Vote banks need answers,” Abuhaideri demanded.

AWBI SOP seeks a uniform national framework

The AWBI SOP was issued in accordance with the Supreme Court order on the management of stray dogs within institutional premises. According to the AWBI, the circular aims to establish a uniform national framework for the prevention of dog-bite incidents and the management of stray dogs in both public and private institutional areas.

The key provisions are mandatory removal of stray dogs from institutional areas, no-return policy for institutions, shelter requirements, waste management, and public awareness.

Ananya Shetty is an intern with The Indian Express.