Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
The Supreme Court of India recently addressed the issue of stray dogs, modifying its earlier order that directed the removal of all stray dogs from streets in Delhi-NCR. The increase in stray dog population dramatically and becoming a threat to humans in cities. To control street dog population it shall be incumbent for Municipal Corporation to sterilize and immunize street dog population with the participation of animal welfare organization / NGOs, and private individuals. The street dogs shall be sterilized and immunized by methods currently approved.
There are some people who seem to imagine that we have some sort of “right” to remove animals – take life, without any regard of our moral responsibilities towards creatures that share this planet with us. We are a nation that believes in ahimsa and shuns cruelty. One must remember that the earth is not for humans alone. People cannot find spitting and urinating in public spaces as a menace but they find it hard to live with these harmless species. Most stray dogs lead miserable lives, scavenging for rotten food. They starve and are affected by painful and debilitating diseases, some of which are communicable to humans.
Many stray dogs chase and bark at the people and children sending jitters down the spine. Efforts should be made to ensure that the animal birth control and rabies vaccination programmes are run properly. Municipal Corporation should clean up the streets to make them rubbish free. The Municipal authorities have successfully captured many stray dogs with the help of expect dog catchers, but were criticized for their cruel treatment and killing of the captive dogs by PETA and other animal rights activists. It is seen that the stray dog menace happens mostly in the areas where there are rubbish & wastages are thrown.
To discard or litter the waste along the road sides should be penalized and the door to door collection of food wastes by the municipal authorities should be encouraged instead of the road side bins. Efforts should be made to ensure that the animal birth control and rabies vaccination programmes are run properly. Municipal authorities should clean up the streets to make them rubbish free. The stray dog menace is in fact a grave problem in the City and the authorities should act immediately to tackle this issue seriously and effectively.
According to the Supreme Court directive stray dogs should be released back into their original areas after sterilization, deworming, and vaccination. However, dogs infected with rabies or displaying aggressive behavior will be kept in separate shelters. Municipal authorities were directed to create designated feeding areas for stray dogs in each ward, ensuring that feeding on public streets is prohibited. Municipalities must establish dedicated helplines for reporting incidents of violation, and action will be taken against individuals or NGOs who defy the directive. No stray dog should be culled and only sterilisation is permitted for controlling its population. If the laws were in favour of street dogs, the Government should take measures to safeguard the public from the stray dogs. To control rabies, the municipalities in the affected areas have to get a clear picture about stray dogs in the area that must be vaccinated and leave the dogs in some far away areas. It is to be remembered that dogs as pets are wonderful but as strays, they are a threat to society.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and pledged to implement it 100%. Animal rights activists have also praised the order, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and humane management of stray dog populations.
Stray dogs are very much part of many communities and teach valuable lessons in friendship, co-operation, and loyalty to children and adults alike. They are our all weather best friend and they give us unconditional love which humans lack so we must learn to love and respect them. We need to understand that dogs are a part of our urban environment and have to be tackled with sense of humanity and compassion. Dogs’ love us unconditionally and there are examples where they have gave up their lives for their caretakers. Other creatures are not there for our selfishness. Let us learn co-existence with other creatures in nature and give a fistful of rice to the stray dogs and they will never harm you. Dogs have lived with humans for eternity and try to warn the neighbourhood where they live about intruders. We must show the spirit of a loving nation by dealing with this problem in peaceful and humane manner. Dogs are man’s best friends for ever, if we care for them.
The Supreme Court’s verdict has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some politicians and animal welfare organizations welcoming the decision. However, concerns remain about the implementation and potential challenges in managing stray dog populations.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
