In the wake of the tragic Air India AI 171 plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, local authorities have taken the sensitive step of enlisting the help of animal rescue teams to relocate stray dogs from the crash site. The decision comes amidst growing concerns that these animals, driven by natural instincts, were scavenging human remains, thus potentially hampering recovery efforts, impeding victim identification, and possibly compromising the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulted in the loss of 241 lives. The aircraft, bound for London's Gatwick Airport, crashed into a residential area near a medical college hostel, causing a massive fire and widespread devastation. The aftermath has not only been a human tragedy but has also significantly impacted the local animal population.
Following the crash, a video surfaced showing what appeared to be a human head on the road, raising concerns that remains may have been scattered beyond the immediate crash perimeter. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) officials expressed fears that stray dogs and birds could disturb or carry away these remains. In response, multiple teams comprising police, AMC workers, and laborers were deployed to patrol the site and nearby zones. Efforts to capture stray dogs began promptly, with some animals already taken into custody.
Animal welfare organizations, including Darshana Animal Welfare and the Namaste Foundation Animal Welfare Trust, have been actively involved in rescue and relief efforts. These groups arrived at the crash site to care for the affected animals, many of whom were injured, traumatized, or had lost their lives. According to reports, several stray dogs and birds perished in the fire, while others were rescued and provided with medical care, food, and shelter.
Khushi Dave of the Namaste Foundation Animal Welfare Trust noted the distressing scene, mentioning that many animals and birds were found dead, with an estimated five to six stray dogs among the casualties. Akash Chavda, founder of Darshana Animal Welfare, recounted the heartbreaking sight of charred vehicles and lifeless animal bodies upon arriving at the scene. His team managed to rescue a few dogs and birds, now receiving veterinary care.
The relocation of stray dogs from the crash site is a necessary measure to ensure the proper handling of human remains and to facilitate the investigation process. However, it also raises ethical considerations about the welfare of these animals, who are already vulnerable and dependent on the local community for sustenance. Animal welfare groups are striving to provide the rescued dogs with a safe and comfortable environment, offering them medical attention, food, and the emotional support they need during this difficult time.
The situation highlights the interconnectedness of human and animal lives in urban environments and the importance of considering the well-being of all living beings in the aftermath of disasters. As Ahmedabad grapples with the aftermath of the AI 171 crash, the collaborative efforts of authorities and animal rescuers demonstrate a commitment to both respecting the deceased and protecting the vulnerable animals affected by the tragedy.
