Mumbaikars unite for animals, demand stricter laws

Over 250 Mumbaikars braved incessant rains on Sunday to gather outside a public garden in Dadar and create awareness regarding animal rights. The citizens also demanded strengthening of laws protecting animals.

"We gathered outside the Veer Kotwal Udyan opposite Plaza cinema in Dadar and requested other Mumbaikars to join hands against animal atrocities. We also asked for support to get the Animal Welfare Bill passed in the Parliament," said Chembur resident Anand Siva, an animal rights activist, who is spearheading the India Unites for Animals (IUA) movement.
Siva informed that the IUA had presence in around 58 cities in India and 21 cities internationally. "The fact that this movement is not headed by any individual or any organisation, yet has received an overwhelming support of eminent personalities, literati, celebrities and most importantly the common man, is a proof that the motto of the movement has touched everyone," he said, adding that in Mumbai alone they managed to get 250 people to sign the petition.

The activists further demanded better enforcement and tougher punishment for abusers, stricter laws, and stringent action against those found guilty of animal cruelty.