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Amid National Debate on Stray Dogs, Schoolgirl Donates Rs 2 Lakh to Redevelop Birth-Control Centre

Updated on: 03 November, 2025 12:23 PM IST | Mumbai

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As conversations intensify across India about managing the stray dog population, one young changemaker is turning compassion into action.

Sifat, a school student, raised ₹1 lakh in 2024 by making and selling organic soaps under her initiative, Phoenix by Sifat, to support sterilisation efforts for stray dogs in her community. This year, she is donating the funds to Neighbourhood Woof, a Delhi-based animal welfare organisation, to help complete the redevelopment of its sterilisation centre, now 85% complete.

In total, the project has raised ₹2 lakh, enabling the organisation to expand its facilities and continue essential sterilisation and vaccination services for street animals. Animal welfare advocates consistently emphasise that sterilisation and vaccination are the most effective and humane methods for managing stray dog populations.

Sifat’s initiative reflects that understanding - a reminder that small, sustained actions can drive meaningful change.

“Children like her remind us that compassion and responsibility can’t wait for perfect circumstances,” said Ayesha Christina Benn, Founder of Neighbourhood Woof.

As communities continue to debate how best to coexist with street animals, Sifat’s story stands out as a symbol of empathy and initiative - proof that durable change often begins with a single act of kindness.