Man versus dog

The only way to tackle the stray dog issue is through the prism of humanness and transparency

- SHUTAPA PAUL

Man's best friend is today enemy No. 1. In the national capital, tensions rise as the state government plans to "rehabilitate" hundreds of stray dogs. Animal rights activists question the rehabilitation and purported plans of relocating the canines. They conjecture that such a plan can only lead to cruelty and possibly culling of 'desi' dogs.

The animal versus man face-off has been playing out for a long time in our urban jungle, where we build skyscrapers and yet don't even give scraps to the speechless animals. Those who do support helpless street animals are either demonised or looked up as unhinged beings. Take a look at any of the oft-circulating videos of residential communities where animal feeders are vilified, sometimes even beaten up for showing compassion. Many would perhaps make peace if India followed the footsteps of the governments in Bali and Baghdad that mercilessly killed hundreds of dogs to stem the menace of rabies. The murders were so heartless that unsuspecting dogs were lured with poisoned meat only to meet their end; and then, there were rifles too.

Will India, an empathetic nation that values its human as well animal life, resort to such senseless killings? The Delhi High Court has directed the state government to rehabilitate the strays and no one would be happier than the irritating neighbourhood uncle or aunty who are themselves petrified of dogs.