India's cities are alive with stories of survival, resilience, and silent companionship. Among the lesser heroes of this urban narrative are the stray dogs that have co-existed with us for generations, making up an essential, though often misunderstood, part of our community. Recent discussions regarding the future of stray dogs remind us that this is an issue we cannot overlook, nor can we resolve it through anger or hasty solutions. Yes, challenges arise when breeding dog packs become aggressive or when dogs remain unvaccinated. But safer, healthier communities are possible when we respond with science and compassion, through vaccination, sterilization, and monitoring care.
Simple interventions transform entire neighborhoods. Dogs that were once restless and aggressive often become calmer after being sterilized. Communities that fear rabies breathe easier when vaccination drives are done consistently. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) approach may not sound dramatic, but it is practical, humane, and sustainable, keeping both people and animals safe.
The real challenge lies not with the dogs themselves, but with the gaps in society's responses to issues. Feeding strays without implementing sterilization can lead to clusters that trigger conflict. Abandoning pet’s results in more animals being left on the streets. Inadequate waste management provides endless food sources. If we want to achieve peace in our communities, we must take responsibility: we need robust sterilization programs, pet parents must stop abandoning animals, and citizens must engage with dogs in safer, kinder ways.
Pet homelessness remains one of the most pressing animal welfare concerns in the country. Global studies reveal that nearly one in three pets is homeless, with India carrying a disproportionately large share of this burden. According to the State of Pet Homelessness survey by Mars, an estimated 69.3 million (69%) dogs and cats in India are homeless out of which 60.5 million are dogs. India accounts for almost 19% of the world’s homeless pets.
The connection between abandoned pets and tomorrow’s stray populations is undeniable. Breaking this cycle means encouraging adoption, promoting responsible ownership, and investing in humane birth control and widespread vaccination. When cities commit to strong animal birth control and anti-rabies programs, they safeguard public health while building safer, kinder urban spaces. Every clean, inclusive public area takes us closer to a future where no animal is forgotten, and every community thrives. Teaching our children how to coexist and be around animals goes a long way to ensuring their safety. Affordable creches for working parents to leave small children will ensure they are not playing on the street unprotected.
Stray dogs are not outsiders; they are part of our cities because of us. Just as we shape the lives of the most vulnerable people, we also influence the lives of these animals. Choosing responsibility over neglect and care over cruelty will determine whether we live in fear, or in harmony.
The path is clear. Let us scale up sterilization and vaccination, educate communities, and encourage adoption especially of Indie dogs who are resilient, loving, and perfectly suited to our homes. It is not just about protecting ourselves from rabies or bites. It is about deciding what kind of society we want to be: one that turns away from its most vulnerable, or one that chooses coexistence.
In the end, the journey to better cities for humans and animals is a shared responsibility, one best steered by collaboration, commitment, and compassion.
[This article has been written by Amala Akkineni, Actor, Animal Welfare Advocate, and Founder of Blue Cross of Hyderabad.]