India is home to over 40 million stray animals, including more than 35 million stray dogs and around 5 million stray cattle. Despite their significant presence, these animals often live in poor conditions, exposed to extreme weather, hunger, disease, and cruelty. A report by the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) states that over 1.2 million animals are subjected to cruelty each year, with countless others suffering silently.

Road accidents involving animals are common — the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recorded over 5,000 animal deaths annually on highways alone. Moreover, with rising urbanization and shrinking green cover, natural habitats are being lost, pushing wild and street animals into conflict with humans.

Slaughterhouses and meat production units are another area of grave concern. Many operate without proper licenses or humane slaughter practices. Investigations have revealed unhygienic conditions, cruel treatment, and often illegal killing of animals. Despite laws like the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, enforcement remains weak, and penalties are minimal.

Animal welfare is not just about compassion — it is a marker of a society's moral and ethical standards. Ensuring care, shelter, and rights for animals reflects humanity's capacity to coexist with other living beings. Stray animal sterilization, adoption drives, cruelty reporting systems, and stronger legislation can pave the way toward a more humane society.

As part of our commitment to animal welfare, Astitva Foundation has actively worked to protect and care for the voiceless. Our initiatives include feeding of stray animals, administering anti-rabies vaccinations, providing basic healthcare, immediate treatment for injuries, and conducting rescue operations. We also focus on finding loving homes for homeless animals through adoption drives and ensure their overall well-being with periodic deworming and follow-ups. Over time, we have successfully vaccinated more than 300 stray dogs and cats, facilitated the adoption of several puppies and kittens, and rescued countless injured strays, offering them timely medical assistance and a chance at a better life. These efforts are driven by empathy, responsibility, and the belief that every life—human or animal—deserves compassion and care.