Over 10 NGOs Unite for the 1st Time to Demand Concrete Animal Welfare Action

Animal welfare advocates in Mauritius have moved from the streets to the corridors of power, submitting a formal list of demands to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam following a significant silent march through the capital.

The collective, led by spokesperson Rubina Jhuboo, is calling for an immediate national strategy to combat animal cruelty and manage the island’s stray population.

The move follows a mobilisation in Port Louis that organisers described as a “major victory” for unity, bringing together the public and the presidents of the island’s leading animal protection NGOs.

A Roadmap for Change

In a letter addressed directly to the Prime Minister, the collective outlined a series of robust recommendations to address the current crisis. Key proposals include:

• Mass Sterilisation: The implementation of large-scale, nationwide spaying and neutering campaigns.
• International Expertise: Recruiting foreign veterinary specialists to assist in population control.
• Legislative Teeth: Stepped-up enforcement and firmer sanctions against illegal breeders and those guilty of animal abuse.
• Institutional Reform: Overhauling relevant bodies to ensure they are led by individuals with specific expertise in animal welfare.

“We will not rest on our laurels,” Ms Jhuboo stated, noting that while the march was an encouraging first step, the battle against mistreatment is “far from won.”

Government Pledges “Concerted Action”

The protest has already drawn a preliminary response from the Cabinet. Arvin Boolell, the Minister of Agro-Industry, confirmed he was “not insensitive” to the mobilisation.

He has announced an upcoming summit for stakeholders to establish a “consensus” on the way forward.

Minister Boolell indicated that a “trap, neuter, and release” (TNR) strategy remains a preferred route, but he stressed that pet owners must also shoulder their responsibilities.

Similarly, Environment Minister Rajesh Bhagwan acknowledged the scale of the challenge, suggesting that international experts may be required to manage the stray dog issue—a task he admitted would require significant time and financial investment.

A National Emergency

Despite the official rhetoric, the collective remains “cautious but determined.” Ms Jhuboo warned that “fine words” would not suffice without a clear, durable strategy.

Beyond government intervention, the collective is also appealing to the Mauritian public.

Activists argue that the crisis is a “national urgency” that can only be solved if citizens commit to sterilising their pets and practicing responsible ownership.

The organisers intend to maintain pressure on the authorities until the proposed reforms are enacted, asserting that the silent march was merely the beginning of a sustained campaign for change.

Source: l’Express