India, Dec. 24 -- Stray dogs, community dogs and pigeons - animal welfare is becoming a political flashpoint in Mumbai, pushing compassion into the heart of the upcoming municipal elections.

The row over pigeon-feeding could birth a political party, while those advocating for dogs, angered by the prospect of mass relocation, are sharpening their bite - they're talking of a poll boycott.

Two movements, one agenda - how will politicians, and the people, respond?

On the pigeon issue, activists say they are in the final stages of registering the 'Jan Kalyan Party', and hope to finalise candidates within the next two days.

The party has emerged in response to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's closure of kabutarkhanas across the city...