In a recent People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India campaign, actress Jacqueline Fernandez urges her followers to adopt dogs and cats from shelters rather than purchasing them from pet stores or breeders. Alongside her cute rescue dog, Yolo, who is the namesake of the actor’s Yolo Foundation, a winged Fernandez wearing a gorgeous faux-fur coat makes an appearance with the message, “Be an Angel for Animals: Adopt! Don’t Shop”. Fernandez contributed the portrait, which was taken by master photographer Suresh Natarajan and styled by Chandini Whabi.

Fernandez said, “It’s heartbreaking to think of the many homeless dogs and cats still waiting in shelters to bring love and laughter to a family of their own. Adopting Yolo was a deeply rewarding experience for us both. I urge anyone who is prepared for the responsibility and happiness that come with giving a companion dog or cat a place in your home and heart to adopt from the streets or a shelter, along with my friends at PETA India”.

In India, 8.8 million dogs and cats are in shelters due to a shortage of suitable homes, while over 60 million are roaming the streets. Because every new puppy or kitten implies one less home for animals on the streets or in shelters, purchasing animals from breeders and pet stores exacerbates this problem. In addition to being vulnerable to abuse, homeless dogs and cats run the risk of starvation, auto accidents, and untreated illnesses or injuries.

Additionally, PETA India cautions consumers that “pedigree” dogs, which are commonly found in pet stores, have been intentionally bred to have certain exaggerated physical characteristics, such as small noses and drooping backs. This makes them particularly vulnerable to a variety of health issues, such as hip dysplasia, heart defects, epilepsy, ear infections, and eye issues. On the other hand, because Indian community dogs are not specifically selected for aberrant physical qualities from a limited gene pool, they are generally healthier and more resilient.

Fernandez is one of many celebrities who have joined forces with PETA India to support animal adoption, including Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Diana Penty, Sonakshi Sinha, Raveena Tandon, Trisha Krishnan, Dino Morea, and Imran Khan.

Priyanka Dutta