The COVID-19 pandemic was an era that dramatically changed and reshaped our lives in unprecedented ways. Everyone was pushed into remote work, quarantines, and isolation. As people adapted to the new normal of being confined at home, there was a peculiar yet significant shift in the pet adoption trend. Work-from-home professionals, especially those from DINK (Double Income, No Kids) and nuclear families, found themselves with plenty of time on their hands and a longing for companionship.
Enter the puppy boom: a viral trend of adopting pets, especially dogs, during the pandemic. Yet, there is a darker side to this seemingly harmless phenomenon that no one seems to be talking about—the wave of abandoned pets that followed once life returned to its pre-pandemic pace.
As lockdowns eased and restrictions were lifted, many could finally leave their homes, travel, socialize, and return to their workplaces. Suddenly, the cute puppies that had once filled their pandemic days with joy became a logistical and emotional burden. The new pet parents, who had little to no experience with the responsibilities of pet ownership, found themselves unable to cope with the needs of a fully grown dog. And so, many of these pets—particularly those of larger breeds—were abandoned.
This crime of convenience was committed in silence. People who had adopted dogs to cure boredom or as a temporary source of entertainment failed to understand the commitment they had undertaken. Pet parenting requires time, resources, patience, and, most importantly, a sense of duty—values that seemed to vanish as the world opened up again. Left to fend for themselves, these abandoned dogs were betrayed by those they trusted most.
A Tragic Outcome of Pandemic Impulse Decisions
The problem is exacerbated by the nature of the dogs most often adopted during the pandemic. Popular breeds such as Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers—larger, active, and requiring substantial care—were frequently chosen for their aesthetic appeal or friendly nature. However, many people did not account for the challenges of raising these breeds significantly, as they grew out of the adorable puppy phase and required serious training, exercise, and attention.
Unlike street dogs, bred dogs lack the instincts and training to survive independently. Generations of selective breeding for temperament and companionship have led to dogs with lower immunity and a dependency on humans for survival. Abandoning a dog in such circumstances is nothing short of a death sentence. Larger breeds, in particular, are often less adaptable to street life, making it easier for them to survive with proper care.
Besides this, finding a foster or adoptive family for an adult dog is an uphill task. While puppies tend to be adopted relatively quickly, older dogs face significant obstacles in finding new homes—especially if they are large and untrained. Many animal shelters in India are already overcrowded and overworked, lacking the resources needed to better care for abandoned pets. This results in the suffering of many needy animals as they are forced to struggle for necessities like food, water, and shelter.
The Legal Implications: A Law Without Teeth
In India, pet abandonment is illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. According to this law, surrendering a pet can result in up to three months of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs. 100, or both. On paper, this law is a step in the right direction. But in practice, the fine for abandoning a pet is often not enforced, and most trails never lead back to the original owners who chose to leave their responsibility.
The penalties are outdated and grossly inadequate for deterring pet abandonment. A mere Rs. 100 fine hardly serves as a consequence for someone who abandons an animal that relies on them for survival. Most offenders roam freely, and even if caught, the lack of effective law enforcement means that justice is rarely served. Additionally, there needs to be more public awareness about laws and even fewer mechanisms to ensure accountability. The authorities often do not prioritize such cases, and in most instances, proving the ownership of an abandoned pet is nearly impossible.
Moral and Social Responsibilities
The problem of pandemic pet abandonment also raises questions about our moral and social responsibilities. Pets are not commodities that can be picked up and discarded at our convenience. They are sentient beings relying on love, care, and shelter. The bond between a pet and its owner is built on trust; breaking it is nothing short of betrayal. The pandemic may have pushed us into unfamiliar territory, but our ethical duty towards the animals we adopt should remain unwavering.
Owning a pet is a long-term commitment. It requires responsibility for another living creature’s health, safety, and well-being. It means staying patient during the training process, being available to provide food, exercise, and medical care, and accepting that there will be challenges along the way. For those who adopted pets during the pandemic without considering these factors, it is essential to acknowledge the mistake and work towards finding a proper home for the pet rather than simply abandoning it.
The Need for Stricter Laws and Awareness
There is an urgent need for stricter laws and better law enforcement to combat this issue. The fine for abandoning a pet must be increased significantly to ensure it is an effective deterrent. Furthermore, a centralized registration system must be adopted to help locate pets and hold owners accountable. This would make finding culprits who abandon their pets more accessible and encourage more responsible pet ownership.
Awareness campaigns will also play a key role in addressing this problem. Potential pet owners need to be educated on the realities of pet ownership—the financial cost, the time commitment, and the emotional investment required. Veterinary clinics, pet stores, and animal shelters are the primary contributors to spreading this awareness. Instead of promoting the adoption of pets as a trend, they should emphasize the responsibilities that come with it.
What Can We Do Now?
People overloaded with pet ownership responsibilities need to know ethical alternatives to abandonment. Many animal shelters and NGOs are working towards finding new homes for pets, and reaching out to these organizations is always a better option than leaving an animal to fend for itself. Social media platforms have become an excellent tool for rehoming pets, effectively linking rescued animals with potential adopters.
Animal lovers and activists also stepped up to foster abandoned dogs, even temporarily, until a permanent home is found. Community involvement is also crucial in rescuing and rehabilitating these abandoned pets. Awareness drives, community foster programs, and local adoption events can help mitigate the problem, provided there is collective will and effort.
The Emotional Cost of Abandonment
The trauma of abandonment is more profound in emotional quotient than just physical for pets. Dogs, in particular, are social animals that form strong bonds with their owners. When they are abandoned, they suffer from anxiety, depression, and fear. They struggle to understand why the person they loved and trusted suddenly left them behind. This emotional distress can have lasting effects on their behaviour, making them harder to rehabilitate and rehome.
We forget that pets have feelings, too, and they are susceptible to the actions of their owners. For many people, a dog is more than a pet- it’s part of the family. To abandon one is similar to abandoning a family member. It is time for everyone to treat them this way.
A Lesson in Responsibility
The pandemic has taught people many lessons about adaptability, resilience, and the importance of companionship. It has also brought into light the darker sides of human behaviour—including our willingness to abandon responsibilities when they no longer serve our immediate interests. The crime of pandemic pet abandonment is a stark reminder that we, as a society, need to reevaluate our attitudes towards pet ownership.
Pets could be allies for life, bringing uncountable pleasure and solace into our lives. Yet, for all its comfort value, that pleasure comes at a price—that of responsibility, commitment, and compassion. So, we must not forget the pets we left behind in our journey to go ahead. Let us push for stronger regulations, greater consciousness, and humane treatment of every animal around us. One thing that should not be forgotten is that pet adoption is neither a right nor a privilege but a promise.