Street animals, pets suffer as pollution levels rise in Delhi

Rising pollution levels in Delhi are affecting both pets and street animals, leading to health problems and behavioural changes that worry pet owners and animal welfare activists, according to veterinarians.

Animals are increasingly experiencing respiratory issues, with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and chest congestion linked to the city’s deteriorating air quality, experts said.

Sumit Nagar, a veterinary consultant with the Delhi Forest and Wildlife Department, reported a rise in respiratory distress cases among animals. He explained that animals suffer from problems similar to humans, such as suffocation, lung damage, and respiratory inflammation. During Diwali, noise pollution and burns from accidental contact with wires exacerbate their suffering, particularly in monkeys.

To shield their pets from toxic air, owners are limiting outdoor walks, but this has caused behavioural problems like pent-up energy and aggression in dogs.

“The morning smog makes it hard to take my dogs for walks. Exposure to the toxic air makes them cough and vomit,” said Sujata Bhattacharya, a Pitampura resident.

“Since masks aren’t an option for them, we’ve cut down on outdoor time, but this has made them more aggressive. Outdoor activities are essential for dogs to expend energy, but even brief bathroom breaks expose them to harmful air,” she added.

Cat owners have also noted changes, with reports of eye irritation and sneezing in their pets, who are now avoiding outdoor spaces.

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“My three cats have been sneezing and suffering from eye irritation,” said Ranjana Mukherjee, a pet owner from Gurugram. “They’ve stopped going outdoors, which is unusual for them, and seem low on energy because of the poor conditions.”

The situation is graver for street animals. Animal activists claim that reduced visibility during smoggy mornings and nights has led to more hit-and-run incidents.

“Low visibility makes driving dangerous, and street animals are often victims of accidents. Without proper shelter or protection, they’re particularly vulnerable,” said Kanika Diwan, an animal welfare activist.

Street animal feeders are also facing difficulties.

“The number of feeders has dropped because of pollution. There’s little awareness about how poor air quality affects animals. Governments often overlook these issues because animals don’t vote,” said Gaurav, a feeder from Dwarka.

Sanjay Mohapatra, founder of the NGO ‘House of Stray Animals‘ , highlighted the harmful impact of toxic air on street animals.

“Pollution irritates their eyes and skin, especially those living near industrial zones or busy roads. The situation is dire,” he said.

Delhi’s pollution crisis has intensified in recent days, with a thick layer of smog blanketing the city, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) remains consistently in the “severe” category in many areas, posing severe health risks to residents.

In response, authorities have enforced Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), implementing strict restrictions on construction, industrial activities, and vehicular movement.

(With inputs from PTI)