India’s Forgotten Companions: The Alarming Rise of Abandoned Pets in Cities Like Silvassa
Once cherished, now discarded. Across India—and in towns like Silvassa—dogs, cats, and even exotic pets are being left to fend for themselves in growing numbers. On roadsides, near temples, in parks, and along highways, abandoned animals are now part of our everyday environment. But they weren’t always strays. In a recent street rescue case in Silvassa, a golden retriever was found lying outside a dairy shop—confused and dehydrated, wearing a torn collar and bearing signs of previous grooming. Locals say the dog had been “roaming around aimlessly for over a week” before anyone stopped to help. This incident reflects a disturbing and silent epidemic: the abandonment of domesticated pets by their owners, sometimes out of helplessness, sometimes out of negligence.
Once cherished, now discarded. Across India—and in towns like Silvassa—dogs, cats, and even exotic pets are being left to fend for themselves in growing numbers. On roadsides, near temples, in parks, and along highways, abandoned animals are now part of our everyday environment.
But they weren’t always strays.
In a recent street rescue case in Silvassa, a golden retriever was found lying outside a dairy shop—confused and dehydrated, wearing a torn collar and bearing signs of previous grooming. Locals say the dog had been “roaming around aimlessly for over a week” before anyone stopped to help.
This incident reflects a disturbing and silent epidemic: the abandonment of domesticated pets by their owners, sometimes out of helplessness, sometimes out of negligence.
A Crisis That’s Growing in the Shadows
India has long struggled with its stray animal population. But in the past five years, a new trend has emerged: well-bred dogs and house-trained cats being dumped on streets.
According to unofficial estimates and independent rescue organizations, over 60,000 pets are abandoned annually in India. The true number could be even higher, as most cases go unreported—especially in smaller cities and rural belts.
Abandoned pets now include not only dogs and cats, but also:
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Guinea pigs and hamsters
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Rabbits and turtles
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Parrots and lovebirds
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Exotic breeds unsuited for Indian weather
Why Are Pets Being Abandoned?
Several factors contribute to the rise in pet abandonment:
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Impulse Buying
People buy pets during festivals or trends (like during COVID lockdowns) without long-term planning. -
High Maintenance Costs
Grooming, food, vaccines, and vet care often exceed owners’ expectations or financial capacity. -
Lack of Awareness
Many are unaware that certain breeds—like Huskies, Beagles, and Shih Tzus—require special care and aren’t fit for hot climates. -
Housing Restrictions
Landlords frequently disallow pets in rented apartments, forcing families to choose between shelter and their animal. -
Behavioral Issues
Without proper training, pets may develop aggressive or anxious behavior, leading families to abandon them. -
Post-COVID Lifestyle Shifts
As work-from-home arrangements ended, people were no longer available to care for their pets as they once did.
Silvassa: A Local Lens on a National Problem
Silvassa is no stranger to this crisis. With increasing urbanization and middle-class prosperity, pet ownership has grown. But infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.
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There are no government-run animal shelters in Silvassa.
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Rescue work is done voluntarily by a handful of local animal lovers.
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Vet services are few, with limited emergency care.
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Awareness campaigns and adoption drives are almost non-existent.
“We receive over a dozen calls a month about abandoned or injured animals,” says Neeraj Solanki, a local animal welfare activist. “But we don’t have kennels, funds, or manpower. We operate out of homes and donations.”
What Happens to Abandoned Pets?
Abandoned pets often cannot survive on their own:
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Pedigree dogs struggle in harsh climates and don’t know how to find food or defend themselves.
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Many suffer from malnutrition, road accidents, or skin diseases.
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Others are targets of human abuse, especially in areas where animals are considered nuisances.
A recent case in Daman saw a pair of Pugs left in a box outside a temple. One died within 48 hours due to heat exhaustion.
What Needs to Change
Activists and animal rights groups recommend a multi-pronged approach:
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Enforce penalties for abandonment under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
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Launch adoption and awareness campaigns in schools and communities.
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Provide free or subsidized veterinary services for low-income pet owners.
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Create municipal shelters in small towns like Silvassa with trained staff.
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Make registration and microchipping mandatory for pet tracking and control.
“Abandoning a pet is not just cruel, it’s illegal,” says Manali Gokhale of Animal Care India. “But without education and enforcement, nothing changes.”
What You Can Do
If you're a pet owner or animal lover, here are a few ways to help:
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Adopt, don’t shop. Support rescues rather than buying from breeders.
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Volunteer with local NGOs or groups working for animal welfare.
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Donate food, funds, or time to community shelters or individual rescuers.
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Report abandonment or abuse to local authorities or the Animal Welfare Board of India.
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Educate others on the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Behind every abandoned animal is a story of trust broken. Pets depend on humans for love, safety, and survival. Leaving them behind isn’t just a personal failure—it’s a societal one.
In Silvassa and across India, the time has come to treat animals not as property, but as companions. Only then can we begin to reverse the damage—and give these voiceless beings the dignity they deserve.
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