Her passion for animal rights is infectious. Film star-turned-activist and Blue Cross founder Amala Akkineni spares no available opportunity in impressing the need for compassion towards stray dogs. “Stone, kick or be cruel with dogs and you are harming the wonderful harmony they have shared with mankind for thousands of years,” she tells T. LALITH SINGH in an interview.

How do you react to rising instances of dog bites in last few weeks and the subsequent outcry?

Summer is when everyone’s patience wears thin. It’s a hot and thirsty season and the quest is for water and shade. Same is with animals. Dogs too get edgy, irritated and fight among themselves. My request is to just be considerate with them.

It is shown that we domesticated dogs some 30,000 years ago. It is a beautiful relationship if you know how to harness them. Throwing a stone, kicking or hurting cause permanent damage to their psyche and they become more aggressive.

Has Blue Cross been successful in achieving its goals?

We started Blue Cross 23 years ago as a place for sick, abused, injured and dying animals, as a safe haven in their last stages. So far, we have served more than four lakh animals and continue to provide care for anywhere between 35,000 to 40,000 animals each year.

How do you rate the results of Animal Birth Control and Anti Rabies Vaccination (ABC/AR) concept?

The ABC/AR is the right step, and is giving good results as proved by the fact that have been no instances of rabies in areas covered. Two cases of ferocious rabies were reported from the vicinity of Yapral but ABC/AR is not being implemented there.

Whenever there is a rise in dog bites, you receive flak.

I do get targeted. Naturally, there is anger and they need to vent it out on someone. But I am not out here for any praise. I want to help my city. The measures we advocate and support are the best and yielding results.

On the personal front, how are things going with Nagarjuna and Akhil Akkineni?

My son Akhil’s first movie is getting ready and there is lot of excitement and anticipation. Nagajuna is busy as ever and going places.

How do you feel facing the camera again after a gap?

I am back to acting for last couple of years cast in the roles of mother. It feels good and I can choose roles very carefully. The break from movies helped in focusing on family and on social issues that are so dear to me.

What are your plans as Swachh Bharat Ambassador?

I love Hyderabad and want the city to be clean. I have taken up work in some localities like Malkajgiri, Motinagar and Karmanghat and request every citizen to become part of this campaign for this beautiful city.

We domesticated dogs around 30,000 years ago. It is a beautiful relationship if you know how to harness them. Throwing a stone, kicking or hurting cause permanent damage to their psyche and they become more aggressive

- Amala Akkineni Animal rights activist