Actor Sonam Bajwa has cautioned against excessive measures targeting community animals in Punjab's statewide population control campaign. She urged local authorities to prioritize compassion and practicality while enforcing the Supreme Court's guidelines on stray dog management.
Addressing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Sonam stressed that the Supreme Court's direction was being misunderstood. She questioned whether the current infrastructure was prepared to ethically manage the operation and raised concerns about the lack of proper shelters and rehabilitation systems.
Sonam suggested that the government adopt a more balanced, long-term solution and work alongside NGOs, veterinarians, and public safety experts to create a more organised framework. She emphasized the need for proper sterilisation programmes, vaccination drives, and shelter systems to reduce the stray population safely and sustainably.
The Punjab government has launched a statewide drive to manage stray dogs, following a surge in reported dog-bite incidents. However, the rapid execution of the campaign has drawn intense scrutiny from civic activists, residents, and animal welfare groups.
