Senior Police Inspector Sudhir Kudalkar of Borivali Police Station has taken up an initiative to protect stray animals across Mumbai. He has built one of the city’s largest rescue networks while continuing his duty as a police officer.
He started during the lockdown when the streets of Mumbai were locked and thousands of animals were left without food or help. He started by feeding hungry dogs. Soon, this turned into a larger mission.
To bring people together, Kudalkar created a WhatsApp group called PAL, short for Pure Animal Lovers. It began with a few members. Today it has grown into a network of over 7,000 residents, animal feeders, rescuers, lawyers, and campaigners.
PAL has become an active rescue group. It responds to calls, helps with veterinary treatment, offers legal aid in cruelty cases, and spreads awareness about animal rights. Under Kudalkar’s leadership, the group works across Mumbai to support animals in distress.
Kudalkar also converted part of his own police station into a 24-hour shelter. Injured or rescued animals are kept there for short-term care until they are healthy or placed in homes.
So far, he has handled around 3,500 cases of animal abuse. These cases include injured strays, abandoned pets, and cruelty complaints that required legal action. His work combines compassion with police support to solve these issues. For this act, PETA India has also honoured him with the title “Hero to Animals”.