In a heartfelt intervention into the national debate on stray dogs, popular Punjabi singer and actor Mika Singh has appealed to the Supreme Court of India and pledged a significant donation of land for canine welfare.
An Emotional Appeal to the Apex Court
Taking to social media platform X, Mika Singh issued a humble request to the judiciary. He urged the Hon'ble Supreme Court to refrain from any orders that might negatively impact the well-being of street dogs. His post echoed the concerns of many animal lovers across the country who have been worried about the court's recent deliberations on the matter.
"Mika Singh humbly appeals to the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India to kindly consider refraining from any actions that may adversely affect the welfare of dogs," he wrote online, bringing a celebrity voice to a heated public issue.
A Substantial Pledge for Animal Care
Moving beyond words, the singer made a concrete and generous offer to support the cause. He publicly declared his readiness to donate 10 acres of his personal land exclusively for the care, shelter, and welfare of stray dogs.
"I respectfully submit that I have sufficient land at my disposal and am fully prepared to donate 10 acres exclusively for the care, shelter, and welfare of dogs," Mika Singh stated. He clarified that the land could be used to build necessary shelters and facilities to ensure the animals' safety, health, and overall well-being.
However, he also pointed out a crucial caveat: land alone is not a complete solution. The singer emphasized the need for proper implementation, including adequate manpower and infrastructure. "My only request is support in terms of proper manpower and caretakers who can responsibly look after these animals," he concluded, indicating his willingness to provide the space if support systems are established.
Supreme Court's Clarification on Stray Dog Management
Mika Singh's appeal comes amidst significant attention on the Supreme Court's stance. Recently, a special bench of three judges sought to allay public fears. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria, clarified that the court has not ordered any blanket removal or culling of street dogs.
The court emphasized that its focus is squarely on the effective enforcement of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. This framework advocates for a scientific, humane, and sustainable approach to managing stray dog populations through systematic sterilization and vaccination.
While acknowledging the serious problem of rising dog-bite incidents, the judges stressed that the solution lies in following the ABC Rules—sterilizing and vaccinating dogs before returning them to their original locations. This method aims to balance public safety with animal welfare. The bench also noted that the existing legal framework is robust but has suffered from poor implementation by local authorities across the nation.
The singer's public commitment has highlighted the ongoing search for compassionate and practical solutions in the complex issue of stray dog management, placing the spotlight back on systemic execution rather than extreme measures.