Stray Dogs: A challenge The recent Supreme Court judgement on stray dogs has opened a Pandora’s box. The immediate questions are: does the government have the infrastructure, manpower, and financial resources to implement the order—or will a review be sought? The menace of stray dogs is real, and the responsibility of addressing it cannot be left undefined. Solutions appear twofold: either eliminate the problem entirely or control the population through sterilization. Those advocating animal rights must also accept responsibility. Are they willing to adopt strays rather than limit their compassion to occasional feeding? Such gestures, while well-intentioned, only aggravate the problem if they are not paired with long-term solutions. The dangers are undeniable—stray dog attacks, the spread of rabies, and accidents on the road. Humanity itself engages in wars to settle disputes, acts of cruelty on a much larger scale. Shouldn’t society at least take rational steps to manage stray animals? Pet dogs of aggressive breeds have also caused serious incidents, but laws hold their owners accountable with regulations in place. Why then do strays proliferate unchecked? Abandonment by negligent owners and dog lovers contributes directly to this crisis. When strays organize into packs, their pursuit of food often turns threatening and disruptive. The government has established Gaushalas at considerable cost to protect sacred cows—though their effectiveness remains questionable. Ironically, many who revere cows fail to adopt or support their upkeep once economic utility declines. A similar approach is now necessary for stray dogs. Shelters must be established, however challenging they may seem initially. NGOs working in this field are underfunded and cannot manage without government support. The Supreme Court’s recommendations must be taken seriously. A system of shelters on the lines of Gaushalas can be a beginning. Every scheme may appear impractical at the outset, but with committed effort, solutions can take root. It is time to act decisively—balancing compassion with responsibility—to resolve the stray dog crisis.
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
