Background

India has one of the largest populations of stray animals in the world, which is composed of an estimated 70 million stray dogs, and a significant number of abandoned cats who live on streets. Since most of the population lives in cities, there has been a massive increase in the population, coupled with insufficient sterilization programs run by the government. This has resulted in an overabundance of abandoned and stray animals, causing severe overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions for these animals and the constant displacement of animals throughout cities, particularly in cities such as Mumbai.

As many of these animals do not have the basic necessities required to survive, including adequate shelter, food, vaccinations, and medical attention, they also suffer from many dangerous conditions, such as being susceptible to diseases and/or injuries that could potentially result in death. The situation is worsened by the shortage of shelters and trained volunteers. The collaboration between local communities, volunteers, and welfare organizations is crucial for maintaining sustainable animal care, as highlighted by the Animal Welfare Board of India, yet most of these systems are absent. 

At the same time, while the country does have animal welfare laws and organizations, there are gaps at the ground level. Humane Society International – India states that limited public awareness and insufficient tracking systems make it difficult to ensure consistent vaccination, spaying, and follow-up care for stray animals. Any potential adopters struggle to access reliable information about an animal’s health and background, and that results in fragmented rescue efforts and inadequate follow-up care for stray animals. 

These challenges require community-driven solutions that must combine on-the-ground identification, proper access to information, and coordination of care efforts that ensure that displaced animals are not only rescued but also receive safe rehabilitation and responsible adoption.