By Aashi Gandhi | Aamchi Mumbai Today
A developing case involving the alleged illegal relocation of a community dog named Laila from the premises of Jio World Drive, Mumbai, has brought renewed focus to animal welfare enforcement in urban India.
According to documents reviewed by Aamchi Mumbai Today and video footage obtained from the scene, a community dog residing at the mall was removed on the night of May 21, around 1:30 AM, by a group of individuals. CCTV footage from the area shows at least four men feeding the dog before placing her into a vehicle. The dog has not been seen on the premises since.
Following the incident, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed on June 30 at BKC Police Station, naming three individuals: Chetan Salvi, Suraj Chauhan, and Parvez. The complaint was filed under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and related rules concerning illegal relocation.
While the content of police inquiry proceedings has not been officially released, activist Shiraz Ahmed, who filed the FIR, has publicly stated that the individuals named in the complaint admitted to relocating the dog and allegedly cited instructions from senior mall officials. These claims have not yet been confirmed by the police or mall management.
Our attempts to obtain an official statement from Mumbai Police were met with the response that the case is under investigation and no comments can be provided at this stage. Representatives of Jio World Drive and Reliance Industries did not respond to our requests for comment. According to the activist, communication with senior leadership, including Anant Ambani, also did not result in any formal acknowledgment or assistance.
As of now, a formal FIR is on record, and a chargesheet is reportedly being prepared, though police have not confirmed the timeline or charges publicly.
Our team has compiled and published the CCTV footage, visuals from the night of the incident, and an on-record interview with Shiraz Ahmed. The report is available for public viewing here: Watch the full investigation video
The Larger Problem: Illegal Relocation of Community Animals
This case has reignited debate around the illegal and unethical relocation of community animals, a practice that continues despite clear legal protections. Under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2006 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, community dogs cannot be arbitrarily removed from their territories except for sterilization or in case of medical emergencies — and must be returned afterward.
Such unauthorized relocations can result in trauma to the animal and disruptions in local ecosystems, often leading to more aggressive animal behavior in unfamiliar surroundings and friction within communities.
This editorial does not speculate on guilt or outcomes — those will be determined by the authorities. However, the evidence so far raises legitimate questions about internal protocols at public venues, the treatment of community animals, and the accountability of personnel involved in their handling.
Regardless of the outcome of this specific case, it is clear that stronger enforcement and corporate responsibility are needed when it comes to dealing with urban wildlife and community animals. The Laila incident — now backed by visual evidence and a legal complaint — may serve as a crucial test case for how seriously our institutions take the rights of the voiceless.
