16-Nov-2022: A National Dog Policy in the backdrop of Stray Dog feeding controversy
Currently, there is a case pending in the SCI (Supreme Court of India) about who can feed a street dog and how?
Sometimes back I had written about dogs and how they enjoy the esteem of a very sizable and powerful section of the society. These developments made me think and come out with a suggestion for our country's dog policy which we don't have till now.
Two important points make it necessary for this serious thinking. They are:
- On one hand we have a large population of dog lovers, pet dog owners, and we can't ignore their love for animals. We can't curtail their democratic freedom to express their emotion. Some sections of society and organisations plead for their life and dignity (Dog's Life Matters).
- On the other hand, we have the grueling menace of street dogs, disturbance to residential areas, unsafe public interaction, and dangerous situations. Many instances of dog bite have occurred of late- a potential hazard to children, the weak, elders, etc.
Unfortunately, we can't have both situations uncontrolled. Many countries have Dog Policies. Our country doesn't have one. Why not have one now when the time is ripe?
It's on this backdrop, these suggestions have been based. They are the following:
- Ban the street dogs completely. Subsequent points will tell how to manage the existing crowd of dogs.
- Pet dogs must be registered with the local body or municipality renewable every 1 to 5 years by paying a reasonable amount of fees. This will eliminate non-serious pet owners.
- The municipality shall have adequate provision of veterinary and kennel services and may be funded by these fees.
- The municipality may from time to time declare the prohibition of ferocious breeds, which must not be adopted as a pet.
- There must be stringent rules & laws to control and establish public safety, preventing litter, and other guidelines. More of these in subsequent paragraph.
