“Their Home, Their Right”: Pune’s Silent March Opposes Stray Dog Relocation
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Shivajinagar, 15th August 2025: On Independence Day, animal lovers in Pune staged a peaceful protest against the relocation of stray dogs from city streets to shelters. The Silent March – #AbhiNahiTohKabhiNahi was held outside Chhatrapati Sambhaji Garden on JM Road from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm, with participants dressed in white to symbolise peace and solidarity.
The march was organised by dog researcher Kapil Patwardhan, animal activist Neena Rai, volunteer Aishwarya Chandanshive, Vinod Salvi from NGO Pet Force, and volunteers Anita Shetty and Vayujeet.
With the theme “Their Home, Their Right”, the protest was a direct response to ongoing Supreme Court proceedings regarding the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets. Participants warned that mass relocation could lead to overcrowded shelters, poor living conditions, and disruption of the urban ecological balance.
“It is the government’s work,” said Vinod Salvi of Pet Force. “Organisations like ours feed and care for street dogs with our own money. If we can do it, the government can too.”
Volunteer Aishwarya Chandanshive stressed the need for public advocacy.
“They cannot speak, but we can. If we have the right to live, animals do too. The ABC Rules 2023 make it everyone’s duty to give animals food, water, and shelter. Sterilising, vaccinating, and operating on them is the government’s responsibility. If you pick up a dog, sterilise it and return it to its place. Relocating them can cause fights.”
Animal activist Neena Rai voiced her disappointment.
“I am not against the Supreme Court, but I am disheartened by this decision. If they want help, we are ready to assist with vaccination and other needs. Overpopulation of dogs is the municipal corporation’s responsibility.”
Dog researcher Kapil Patwardhan highlighted the historic bond between humans and canines.
“We have lived with dogs for decades — in fact, thousands of years. This bond will not break. They can’t speak in Parliament, but people like me will fight for them. This protest is about remembering to think about them and stand with them.”
The demonstration drew pet owners, students, NGO workers, and concerned citizens, who called for humane measures like sterilisation, vaccination, and community-managed care zones instead of forced removal. Flyers distributed at the event outlined the benefits of sustainable, non-violent street dog management.
The event ended with a moment of silence — a symbolic pledge to protect stray dogs’ right to live in their natural urban habitats.
