New Delhi: PETA India has urged Galgotias University to donate its robot dog ‘Orion’ to help replace real dogs used in circuses and facilitate their rehabilitation.
The robotic dog in question was recently showcased at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where the university sparked controversy after trying to pass off the Chinese robot as its own. The university was asked to vacate the event venue and remove its booth.
In a February 26 letter to university chancellor Sunil Galgotia, the animal rights NGO’s vice president of policy, Khushboo Gupta, wrote, “PETA India requests that Galgotias University consider donating Orion to a circus through PETA India so that it can be used to replace real dogs used in shows and we can then return it to loving families or a safe haven.”
She also said the university could help highlight how technology can be used to stop animal suffering through donation.
She added: “Donating Orion will demonstrate that Galgotias University is committed to animal welfare and using technology for good. Your students can also play a direct role by training circus performers in the use of technology and by supporting their smooth transition to humane, technology-based alternatives.”
PETA India claimed in a statement that many species, including dogs, horses, camels, goats and birds, are still forced to perform in circuses and are subjected to stressful conditions such as constant travel, confinement and violence.
“As our country advances toward its vision of becoming a global technology leader, there is an opportunity to use technology to improve the lives of animals while securing livelihoods,” the statement said.
She also added: “Circuses like Rambo and Jiminy have already introduced mechanical animals to attract sponsors. A robotic dog can further help circuses recognize the benefits of replacing live animals with advanced technology.”
The organization claimed that more than 1,93,930 individuals, including school children, celebrities and over 100 veterinarians, have called for an end to the use of animals in circuses.
It also said it has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, seeking a ban on the use of animals in circuses by notifying the Draft Animal Performance Rules, 2018.
There was no immediate response from Galgotias University to the letter.
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