Shameful animal cruelty
Numerous cats, dogs and other animals suffer and die at the hands of those who are supposed to provide them care and protection
Is it right to euthanise extremely sick animals?
Mercy or murder? This is the controversy that surrounds animal euthanasia. If a pet is suffering, a vet will advise that putting them down is the kindest thing to do. But, in cases where the animal can die a natural death, it is not right to euthanise the animals. It is ethically wrong for someone to take away the right to live from another living being. Often, municipal corporations are known to euthanise street dogs and cats, in the name of sickness, with a hidden agenda to control the populations of these animals. Euthanasia can be seen a necessary evil when the pet is in too much pain to live a normal life. But the destruction of animal life becomes a much more controversial issue when it is used as a way of controlling population sizes.
What if the dog suddenly becomes a biter. Can we have the dog killed then?
No dog suddenly becomes a biter. Either the dog is not well and you should have a thorough checkup immediately to see whether he is wounded anywhere or has internal organ failure; or the dog has been treated badly by someone in your house. Or the dog is tied up most of the time; or the dog is severely underfed and hungry. First check all these and then see if you can get a trainer to retrain the dog.
What kind of questions should we ask ourselves before adopting an animal?
Are you giving the dog a home or a jail? Animals adapt and submit to anything. But are you going to treat them with respect and compassion. Good food served on time. A place to sleep. Physical care. No tying up or beating. Caring for animals is a commitment that requires an investment of time and love.
What should I do when a stray dog is removed and repositioned to another location?
According to the 'Animal Birth Control rules, 2001', the 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960' (PCA, 1960) and the Supreme Court orders, relocation of stray dogs and other animals is a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code. People committing such a crime will render themselves liable to action under the 'CCS conduct rules'. You can also reach out to your area's local police department to enforce the law.
It is foolish to relocate dogs. More dogs will come to take their place almost immediately and these will be less friendly. Dogs will keep coming as long as there is food available.
The relocated dogs will be a nuisance where they have been sent as they have no idea where to find food and will be hostile to the local people as they have themselves been victimised.
(Views expressed and information provided are personal. Send your questions to manekaanimallove@gmail.com)
