Exclusive interview
By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 10 Jul: Former Union Minister, veteran BJP leader and committed animal rights crusader Maneka Gandhi was in Dehradun and spoke exclusively with Garhwal Post regarding her and her organisation’s current activities. Gandhi, for a considerable period of time, contributed articles on a regular basis for Garhwal Post on animal welfare issues. She runs the organisation ‘People For Animals (PFA)’, which works for animal welfare and has some units functioning in Uttarakhand also. She declined to speak on politics but, in a candid conversation, opened up about her long-standing mission to protect voiceless beings through PFA, which has grown into India’s largest animal welfare network. She also shared her thoughts on the challenges, successes and future plans of PFA, with a special focus on its work in Uttarakhand.
What was the inspiration behind founding People for Animals?
The idea of PFA was born out of a sheer necessity to create a structured movement for animal protection in India. Then, there was very little awareness or sensitivity towards animal suffering, and almost no infrastructure for treatment, rescue or rehabilitation. We make shelters ourselves and fund other shelters. I also go around India and set up shelters. I get land from state governments and try and arrange money. I get animal groups organised to run the shelters. We have shelters coming up in many parts of India. We also file cases in court against animal cruelty. PFA has now expanded to over 100 units across India.
What are some of the key issues that PFA addresses today?
PFA works on various fronts, from rescuing injured strays and confiscating trafficked wildlife to campaigning against illegal slaughterhouses, animal sacrifice, cosmetic testing, and cruel circus performances. PFA is also sincerely involved in the enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and is constantly pushing for stronger legislation.
What role has PFA played in legislative or policy reforms?
PFA has been instrumental in a number of policy shifts. We were pivotal in getting animal dissection banned in schools and colleges, ending cosmetic testing on animals in India, banning dolphinariums and fighting for humane animal birth control measures. Our legal team continuously pursues Public Interest Litigations in High Courts. We also conduct training programmes for police, judiciary, and animal welfare boards to sensitise them towards their duties under the law.
Has animal welfare seen any significant improvement in India over the years?
Awareness has increased, especially among the younger generation, and social media has played a big role in this. However, cruelty remains widespread and is often normalised or simply ignored. We still see unregulated animal transport, illegal wildlife trade, cruelty in municipal dog-catching. However, with consistent legal pressure, more High Courts, and even the Supreme Court, are taking animal welfare seriously. The growing number of shelters, helplines and veterinarians willing to treat street animals is a sign of positive change. Animal sacrifices have also been banned in most temples, across the country.
Have there been any significant changes in the government’s mindset regarding animal welfare?
Though a lot more needs to be done, but under the present government, some important initiatives have been taken up. There are more government funds and support available for opening of shelters and animal birth control centres (ABCs) and, also, Gaushalas for abandoned cows. Even the State Animal Welfare Boards, which earlier existed in name only, are now actually functional and hold regular meetings with SPCA and other animal welfare activists.
You have some PFA centres in Uttarakhand too. Please share some details about PFA’s activities in Uttarakhand and the impact it has made in the state.
Uttarakhand is a state of immense ecological and spiritual significance, but it faces serious animal welfare challenges. Here, PFA centres are actively rescuing injured and abandoned animals, especially dogs, monkeys and cattle. In Dehradun we have a large rescue cum shelter for animals in Chharba which runs on 1 acre land. We need more land to be able to expand our activities and are also looking for support from the government in this regard. We also have a rescue centre in the hills near Hemkund. You will remember that a large number of horses and mules had died onthe Kedarnath route due to sheer apathy of their owners. We took up this issue with the government. The situation this year is somewhat better. Horses and mules in poor health or those who are weak have not been permitted to operate, but a lot more needs to be done. Do you know we have hundreds of abandoned horses and mules in our centre?
I need to add here that I have spoken to various District Magistrates in Uttarakhand on animal welfare issues and here they listen to you as compared to several states, and the government is more responsive too.
Uttarakhand is a tourism state and should remain so instead of becoming a sheep rearing state. Sheep and goats eat up undergrowth in the forests. Increasing human-wild animal conflicts are also because of large scale deforestation. The government should in phases replace current plantation with multiple species of plants and trees which offer food for wildlife.
Recently an incident of two Rottweiler dogs having bitten a lady in Dehradun has hit the headlines. What is your take on this?
This is very unfortunate. PFA played a role in getting restricted breeding of dangerous breeds of dogs. Some state governments were responsive but, unfortunately, some people approached the court and managed to obtain a stay against the ban. I am totally for a ban on breeding such breeds and the least their owners can do is to ensure that their dogs are on leash when allowed outside the house. Punjab is the state where there are maximum breeders of all types, particularly dangerous dog breeds. Unfortunately, most breeders operate illegally and need to be shut down.
What are the major challenges PFA faces on the ground?
Lack of funds is a constant problem. Running ambulances, shelters, feeding programmes and paying veterinary staff requires sustained financial support. Government grants are negligible, and public donations are inconsistent. Another hurdle is bureaucratic apathy and the reluctance of local authorities to enforce animal protection laws. Sometimes, our volunteers are threatened or assaulted for reporting cruelty.
