On Saturday, actor and politician Ramya, also known as Divya Spandana, became emotional during a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. The gathering included animal welfare advocates and local residents who were expressing their outrage over the alleged unlawful and cruel capture of community dogs from the DRDO Phase 2 campus in Kaggadasapura.
The demonstration, organized by the CV Raman Nagar Animal Squad, attracted participation from residents, animal protection organizations, legal professionals, and volunteers who united to demand accountability and compliance with animal welfare legislation.
This protest was prompted by an alarming incident that occurred on March 5, when local residents intercepted a vehicle inside the DRDO campus. They discovered three dogs that had been bound at their legs and mouths and were stuffed into plastic bags and gunny sacks. Although these animals were rescued, activists reported that over 20 other dogs residing on the campus were unaccounted for.
A formal complaint has been lodged, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) at the Mahadevapura police station. The case is now pending in the High Court, with the next session set for April 16.
During her speech at the protest, Ramya expressed her deep distress over the footage of the incident, stating, “It is incomprehensible how anyone can watch those videos without feeling anger. Trusted institutions must conduct themselves with responsibility. If the dogs are safe, we need evidence. If they are not, those responsible must face severe consequences.”
Animal welfare representatives noted that the incident has sparked widespread indignation and raised alarms regarding the alleged misapplication of Supreme Court guidelines issued last year concerning the removal of street dogs from public areas. They contended that such misinterpretations have led to a rise in cruelty and a lack of accountability.
Priya Chetty Rajagopal, a prominent animal welfare advocate, highlighted that Bengaluru is home to a robust network of community-led animal care initiatives. “Over 60 canine squads and support groups have collaborated over the years to sterilize and vaccinate thousands of dogs. We work closely with resident associations and NGOs. When institutions operate outside the law, we will not remain silent,” she affirmed.
The protesters urged officials to promptly reveal the location of the missing dogs, assign responsibility for the incident, and ensure the rigorous application of Animal Birth Control regulations. They also called for enhanced collaboration between governmental bodies and community organizations while emphasizing the necessity for humane, scientifically-informed strategies to manage human-animal interactions.
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