Peaceful Protest by Animal Rights Activists in Noida Amid Allegations of Mismanagement at City’s Oldest Animal Shelter

Noida (3 May 2025): A peaceful protest by animal caregivers, local residents, and activists turned tense on Friday morning after police authorities forcibly dispersed the demonstrators at Noida’s Sector 94 Animal Shelter. The protestors had assembled to raise urgent concerns over alleged financial mismanagement and neglect at the shelter, which is currently operated by the private NGO ACGS under a government contract.

The demonstration, organized by a coalition of animal feeders, caregivers, and welfare NGOs from Noida and Greater Noida, was held within the premises of the government-funded shelter to draw attention to what they describe as a severe crisis in animal welfare and accountability.

Sector 94 Animal Shelter: A Legacy Undermined

Founded in 2005 and spread across nine acres, the Sector 94 Animal Shelter is one of the oldest and most extensive government-funded shelters in Noida. Designed to house up to 4,000 stray and injured animals, the shelter has long served as a sanctuary for the city’s vulnerable animal population.

However, under the current administration of ACGS, the facility is now at the center of a growing controversy. Protestors and caregivers allege that mismanagement, lack of transparency, and deteriorating standards have put thousands of animals at risk.

Mounting Concerns: Caregivers Demand Transparency

Participants at the protest highlighted a range of issues, including the shelter’s failure to publicly disclose financial data, mortality records, or any substantial documentation regarding the use of public funds.

There’s no transparency—no one knows where the money goes, how many animals die each month, or what medical treatment they’re receiving, said Nimisha Bhagat, a local activist and caregiver.

Other grievances included:

Exclusion of Community Volunteers: Protesters claim that trained local volunteers are being systematically barred from participating in caregiving or rescue operations, despite their willingness to contribute hands-on support.

Animal Neglect: Reports have emerged of animals living in unhygienic conditions with little to no access to medical attention.

Inadequate Veterinary Services: The shelter reportedly lacks a resident veterinarian, surgical infrastructure, and basic diagnostic tools such as X-ray machines. Protestors also pointed out the absence of any emergency night-time rescue or medical service.

Non-Responsive Helpline: The shelter’s helpline is said to remain inactive during non-office hours and largely unresponsive even during the day, further compounding the crisis.

These systemic failures, activists say, are especially alarming considering the substantial financial resources allocated to the facility by the Noida Authority.

Protest Shut Down by Police

Despite the peaceful nature of the gathering, police forces moved in to shut down the demonstration without offering protesters a chance for dialogue. Videos and images from the site show citizens holding banners and speaking quietly among shelter animals before being asked to vacate the premises.

Among those present were prominent animal rights activists Pushpanjali Singh, Vidhi Shukla, Jayanthi R. Iyengar, Anuradha Dogra, Simran Bhatia, and Mohit Sharma, as well as scores of concerned citizens and NGO representatives.

The protest was not just symbolic—it was an attempt to be heard, said Singh, a longtime activist. But instead of listening, authorities chose to silence us.

Protesters Issue List of Demands

The activists submitted a formal list of demands to the Noida Authority and other relevant government bodies. Key requests include:

An independent financial audit of all funds allocated to ACGS.

A comprehensive inspection of shelter conditions, led by a committee of 5-6 local caregivers and animal welfare experts.

Termination of ACGS’s contract if evidence of mismanagement or negligence is found.

Establishment of round-the-clock veterinary services, diagnostic facilities, and a fully operational helpline.

Public disclosure of all mortality records with clearly stated causes of death.

Reintegration of community volunteers into daily shelter operations.

Appeal to Senior Officials

With local authorities showing little inclination to intervene, the protestors have escalated their appeal to higher offices, including the CEO of Noida Authority, the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar, and the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. They are calling on these senior officials to intervene promptly and safeguard the lives and dignity of animals under government care.

The voiceless animals at this shelter need action, not bureaucracy, said Anuradha Dogra, an animal caregiver and a concerned citizen. If the government can’t ensure humane conditions in a publicly funded shelter, what message does that send?

For further information or to support the campaign for reform, citizens and media personnel are encouraged to contact: Pushpanjali Singh
Animal Activist
Email: pawsevancr@gmail.com

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