Supreme Court Weighs Safety Concerns vs Animal Welfare in Stray Dog Debate
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The Supreme Court of India is grappling with a contentious issue: balancing safety concerns with animal welfare. During a recent hearing on the management of stray dogs and cattle, the court expressed concerns about the threat posed by animals on streets and highways. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing petitioners, argued that treating animals with empathy can prevent attacks. However, Justice Vikram Nath countered that it's not possible to determine a dog's mood, and that the threat posed by animals goes beyond biting. Sibal suggested a solution: establishing a system where unruly dogs can be sterilized and released back into their environment. The Supreme Court is considering this proposal as part of a broader effort to address the issue of stray dogs on public property. Animal welfare advocates, including Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, have raised concerns about the treatment of dogs. Gonsalves cited instances of women being attacked and harassed while feeding dogs, and noted that the 'raping of dogs' is a common practice. He also pointed out that cruelty to dogs was previously a criminal offense, and that many Indians feel safer with stray dogs. The Supreme Court's original order, issued in November, directed the removal of stray dogs from institutional premises and their relocation to shelters after sterilization and vaccination. However, the court later softened this order, allowing strays to be released after sterilization and immunization. The controversy surrounding the issue highlights the complexities of balancing public safety with animal welfare.
