Pet Peeves

A RAGING DEBATE between dog-rights supporters and those worried about the menace posed by stray-dogs filled much print-media space and TV time over the last year or more, finally reaching the highest court.

- By KIRAN KARNIK

Its judgement a few months ago has finally calmed the waters by striking a middle path that has mollified (if not satisfied) both sides.

STRAYS & PETS

The issue became a hot topic because of numerous reports of cases where stray dogs – sometimes packs of them – had bitten people or even mauled the very young, leading to an outcry against feeding them, especially within housing colonies. In opposition were those who felt that such feeding is not just a humanitarian act, but would make strays less aggressive. Attacks by pet dogs were also flagged and a ban demanded on breeds reputed to be aggressive or dangerous.