NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav has called for greater attention to the concerns of pet owners, especially dog lovers, while also highlighting the growing crisis of stray dogs in urban and rural areas.
Speaking in Lucknow, Yadav questioned the government’s development priorities, asking why a “developed India” vision does not include a concrete plan for pets.
“The issues of dog lovers must be addressed. If you are dreaming of a developed India, why don’t you have a plan for pets? And why don’t you have emotions for dog lovers?” Yadav said.
Stray Dog Concerns on the Rise
Yadav’s remarks come amid rising public debate over the stray dog population in India. According to official data from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, India has an estimated 1.5–2 crore stray dogs, with incidents of dog bites increasing sharply in recent years. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, have faced public protests over stray dog attacks, particularly on children and elderly residents.
Animal welfare activists have long called for stricter enforcement of sterilization drives under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, but implementation remains patchy. While civic bodies often cite lack of funds and manpower, critics argue that the issue has been neglected in urban development planning.
Yadav has previously targeted the state government over stray cattle and man-animal conflict issues, and his latest comments indicate a broader call for humane and structured policies for both stray and domestic animals.
