Chaayos Apologizes for Relocating Stray Cat from Bandra Outlet
Following public outrage, Chaayos admits a staff member relocated a stray cat, which has now been adopted.
Chaayos relocated a stray cat from outside their Bandra outlet, sparking public backlash.
The cat was found and adopted by a local meditation coach after a search by staff and volunteers.
Chaayos has pledged to improve staff training regarding community animals.
In a recent incident that drew significant public attention, the Indian café chain Chaayos has issued an apology after a stray cat was relocated from outside their Bandra outlet in Mumbai. The controversy erupted when the cat, a familiar presence in the area, went missing, prompting an outcry from local residents and animal lovers.
The situation escalated when Purnima Hoon Motwani, a meditation coach based in Mumbai, shared her concerns on social media about the cat's disappearance. She noted that the cat was healthy and well-cared for, having been sterilized and vaccinated. Motwani revealed that staff members from Chaayos had previously attempted to relocate the cat but were stopped by concerned individuals. However, on the following Sunday, the cat vanished, leading to further investigation and public outcry.
Motwani's efforts to locate the cat included confronting the Chaayos staff, who reportedly responded dismissively to her inquiries. She threatened to file a police report, citing the legal implications of relocating an animal without proper justification. This confrontation highlighted the lack of communication and cooperation from the café's management, which only fueled public anger.
Fortunately, the cat was eventually located by the NGO Humanity World Foundation, which confirmed that Motwani had adopted the animal. The organization expressed relief at the cat's safe return and called for a public apology from Chaayos for the distress caused to the community. In response, Chaayos acknowledged the incident, attributing it to an untrained staff member and emphasizing their commitment to animal welfare moving forward.
In their official statement, Chaayos expressed regret for the incident, stating that they value the presence of community animals around their cafés. They have pledged to enhance training protocols to ensure similar situations do not occur in the future. The café chain aims to rebuild trust with the community and ensure that their staff is equipped to handle interactions with local animals compassionately.
