On World Animal Welfare Day, Bangalore Times shines a light on the city's numerous groups comprising individuals who have devoted themselves to improving the lives of neglected animals. These groups serve as a safety net for animals, with members working tirelessly to advocate for voiceless creatures. Priya Chetty-Rajagopal, the founder of Bangalore's canine squads, emphasizes the groups' role as advocates for dogs and highlights how the community collaborates to address animal welfare issues. The primary goal is to educate and empower people to care for animals effectively.

Many individuals may feel unsure about how to respond to abandoned or injured dogs, which is a gap that these groups aim to fill. Mallika Ghosh, a member of the CV Raman Nagar Canine Squad, regularly shares vital emergency contact information to help people navigate such situations. The focus is on raising awareness and equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to act responsibly, beyond just reuniting lost dogs with their families.

The canine squads in Bengaluru establish local communities dedicated to animal care and advocacy. They focus on important tasks like sterilization and anti-rabies vaccinations, as well as engaging the community in animal welfare efforts. By fostering a sense of community and cooperation, these groups collaborate with various entities such as BBMP, the State Animal Welfare Board, and the police to share expertise and best practices related to sterilization, abuse prevention, rescue operations, and addressing cruelty towards animals.

Despite challenges like dogs being abandoned during the pandemic due to COVID-19 misinformation and the inactivity of India's Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, members like Parvathi Prabhakar from the Sadashivanagar Canine Squad took proactive steps. She spearheaded the sterilization of around 400 dogs to tackle the issue, emphasizing the importance of neutering as a lasting solution. The collective aim of these groups is to act as catalysts for positive change in animal welfare across Bengaluru.