Be compassionate to stray dogs, and also to humans

The recent Supreme Court order regarding stray dogs, in my view, is quite vague and disconnected from ground realities. While the intent may be rooted in compassion for animals, the reality faced by ordinary citizens is dangerous.

I am a lifelong dog lover. My family has kept pet dogs over the years. I firmly believe that pet ownership comes with responsibilities. Unfortunately, this sense of responsibility is rarely extended to stray animals on the streets.

I have had many experiences of the danger that stray dogs can pose. Once, my 8-year-old son was surrounded by four stray dogs inside the Guru Nanak Dev University campus, Amritsar. I was at a distance, but a kind stranger scared them away by throwing stones. In another terrifying incident, I barely escaped when I was surrounded by group of stray dogs during an early morning rush to railway station to catch a train. These dogs had earlier attacked and injured an elderly man.

More recently, while cycling in Sector 49D, Chandigarh, a stray dog lunged at me and I fell. Even when stray dogs are not aggressive, their sudden behaviour change can pose dangers to people.

This issue is not about being anti-dog or anti-animal. It’s about public safety, especially for children, the elderly, and those who have to walk or commute daily through areas where stray dogs roam freely.

Compassion for animals should never come at the cost of human safety. The concerns that many citizens face, along with the anxiety caused by the unpredictable behaviour of stray dogs, should also be taken into consideration.

Shelly Bhalla, Chandigarh