A couple of articles have already appeared on the issue of stray dogs in earlier issues of Samvada. The solution is not coming easily. The purpose of this clip is to highlight the challenge and need for a solution.
Right to equality for animals and humans is posing challenges of safety and fear among peace loving residents. In the month of March itself there have been three incidents of dog bite causing havoc and scare in residents walking to and around the Central park of C block. This is not the first time.
The problem of stray dogs who are protected by few so called Animal Activists has been there for long. Heated WhatsApp messages have been exchanged between the two groups, animal activists and affected residents. While scared residents want dogs to be shifted out of the block, animal activists want them to be mentored and retained. There were many whatsapp messages exchanged between the two groups blaming each other. One animal activist went to the extent of warning the office bearers of filing FIR against them and go to media, if the stray dog (Chotu) who went missing and was alleged to have been kidnapped by some unknown residents by the animal activist, was not restored back to the block.
RWA seems helpless and is actionless and under pressure from Animal Activists. While the legal protection to animals is good for the welfare of animals it cannot be at the cost of human life and wellbeing. We need to find a balance where both animal lovers can enjoy their love for dogs while others can live life in peace. Can both groups form a joint task force to come up with a solution for each block?
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India vide letter dated March 12, 2024 has advised local bodies to prohibit breeding and sale of 23 breeds of dogs that have been identified as ferocious and dangerous for human life. However, the catch is that implementation has to be done by local bodies in States.
MCD needs to intervene and protect residents from the menace of dangerous stray dogs who jump on anyone and everyone without any provocation and are making life difficult particularly of senior citizens who go early morning for walk to the park and servants cleaning cars etc in compliance of the above Central Govt. directive.
