Saath Nibhana Saathiya actress Mazel Vyas reacts to Supreme Court's ruling on stray dogs; says 'Most shelters are already overcrowded and underfunded'

Mazel Vyas, currently seen in the gripping action series Hunter 2 alongside Suniel Shetty who was also seen in Saath Nibhana Saathiya as Meera Modi and became famous has stepped into the spotlight for a cause close to her heart — the welfare of stray dogs.

In light of the recent Supreme Court decision mandating the relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi to shelters, Mazel has expressed her concern over what she calls a “deeply complex and emotional issue.”The ruling, which has sparked widespread debate, aims to address the growing number of incidents involving aggressive strays — some tragically resulting in harm to children. While the intention behind the move may be rooted in public safety, many animal lovers, activists, and citizens argue that the lack of infrastructure makes this decision unviable and potentially harmful.“I understand the fear and anger when innocent lives are lost or harmed,” Mazel shares. “But simply shifting all stray dogs to shelters without a long-term plan or basic facilities is not the answer. Most shelters are already overcrowded and underfunded. This could lead to even more suffering.”Mazel advocates for a more balanced and humane solution. “Mass sterilization and vaccination drives should be the priority,” she says.

“We also need to differentiate between aggressive dogs and those that coexist peacefully in neighborhoods. The truly aggressive ones can be rehabilitated or moved to secure environments, but not all strays deserve to be locked away.”She also emphasizes the role of communities in caring for street dogs. “Many strays are fed and looked after by locals. Forcing them into shelters where conditions are often poor is unfair — both to the animals and the people who care for them.”The issue has indeed divided public opinion. While safety remains paramount, voices like Mazel’s urge the government and courts to look beyond a blanket solution. A more compassionate, well-planned approach could protect both people and animals — without sacrificing one for the other.