Bollywood actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood has stepped forward to champion a compassionate and scientific approach to managing India's stray dog population. In a powerful video message, the actor appealed to the public to support humane methods like vaccination and sterilization to control their numbers and prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.
A Direct Appeal for Compassion and Science
The video was released by the animal welfare organization Jeev Sabha on Instagram, featuring Sood speaking directly to the camera. Drawing a parallel to the collective fight against COVID-19, the actor emphasized shared responsibility. He referred to stray dogs as 'Indy' – fellow Indians born and living in the country – and stressed that science-backed measures are the way forward.
"Namaskar, I am Sonu Sood, and just as I am Indian, every stray dog born and living here is also Indian, which is why they are called Indy," Sood said in the video. He made a heartfelt request: "I request everyone that just as we faced diseases like COVID, in the same way, through vaccination and sterilization, we can control stray dogs and diseases like rabies."
He concluded his message with a clear call to action: "Let’s choose kindness, let’s choose solutions. I support Jeev Sabha."
Aligning with Legal and Social Context
Sonu Sood's advocacy comes at a critical time when the Supreme Court of India is actively examining issues related to the growing stray dog population across the nation. The apex court has consistently underscored the dual need for ensuring public safety and treating animals humanely. In its hearings, the court has identified organized vaccination and sterilization drives as the most effective and practical long-term strategy to address the challenge.
Sood's message directly aligns with this judicial viewpoint. He encourages citizens to move beyond fear and quick, often harsh, reactions. Instead, he urges them to stay informed, act responsibly, and collaborate on sustainable solutions that protect both communities and animals.
Beyond Stray Dogs: Sood's Continued Social Work
This initiative adds another dimension to Sonu Sood's well-documented record of humanitarian work, which skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic as he helped migrants and citizens in distress. By lending his voice to Jeev Sabha, he is leveraging his significant public influence to rally support for systematic animal welfare efforts.
On the professional front, the actor was last seen in his directorial debut film, 'Fateh'. The project, which also stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Naseeruddin Shah, and Vijay Raaz, marked his foray into full-length feature film direction.
The core takeaway from Sood's appeal is a push for a paradigm shift – from conflict to coexistence, and from reactive culling to proactive, compassionate management rooted in scientific evidence.
