The Sherry & Diya Foundation, a city-based non-governmental organisation, has begun distributing free reflective collars to stray dogs.
The move is aimed at making the animals more visible to drivers, especially during low-light conditions that prevail in the rainy season. The NGO has invited residents and volunteers to reach out via WhatsApp to request collars for stray animals in their area. “During the monsoon, visibility drops drastically, and animals often go unnoticed on the roads, particularly at night,” said Rakesh Kothari, founder of the foundation. “These collars are designed to reflect light from vehicle headlights, giving drivers time to react and avoid accidents.” The collars are being produced in-house and distributed across Mumbai and its suburbs without any cost. Sherry & Diya Foundation, which advocates for animal welfare and veganism, claims to have saved over 10,000 animals and rescued at least 2,800 from life-threatening conditions since its inception.
The initiative, launched just ahead of the heavy rains, is being hailed as a simple yet effective solution to a persistent urban problem. Road accidents involving stray dogs spike during the monsoon months, when poor visibility and slippery roads increase risks for both animals and motorists. The organisation’s efforts are part of a broader mission to reduce cruelty towards animals and build awareness around street animal welfare. It has also taken up education campaigns promoting veganism and responsible coexistence with stray animals. Kothari emphasised the need for community involvement, urging citizens to be proactive in helping street dogs stay safe. “If people come forward to collect and place these collars on the strays in their neighbourhoods, we can prevent countless avoidable deaths,” he said.
As Mumbai gears up for another monsoon season, the foundation’s campaign serves as a timely reminder that even small acts of care can make city streets safer for all inhabitants.
