Canine Chronicles Part.3

The people of India posit polarizing views on our stray dogs. Some are of the opinion that they are to be treated with respect, courtesy, and dignity, but sadly, some inhuman people here treat them with callousness, ruthlessness, and unconscionability. They fail to see our street dogs as man's best friend, and something unknown in their conscience acts as impetuses to their unjustified aggression towards dogs.

But why? Why, is it that we shun the unwritten guidelines of morality and threaten dogs with a hand that strikes in lieu of a hand that helps? Where is our humanity? Is it to feel powerful through attacking a less powerful target? Is it because of their lack of empathy?

What is crucial to know is that, none of these reasons are ever rightly justified unless there are rare cases of self defense. One must understand that dogs, like human beings, have emotions, and have every right to live as much as we do. Some people either seem to misread some emotions displayed by dogs as aggresion by barking and tail wagging, and as a result, tend to lash out on the dog either verbally or physically. Some inexcusably see them as a nuisance, even though the humans are almost always the initial perpetrators. Some are also raised without values of empathy or sympathy. Due to this, they view them as pests and objects rather than sentient lives.

All of the above points bring us to this fact - our country needs to educate our people on ethics, especially  towards animals. Whether it's by family, friends, or educational institutions, kindness towards animals is a vital human trait, no matter your background, or unjust views pertaining to how animals should be perceived and treated. Dogs, whether we like it or not, have been a part of human society for over 14,000 years. We have made them a part of our society, and to ostracize and harm them, is simply inequitable.

It is also imperative that us Indians establish shelters, where we house stray dogs, feed them food, give them water, and nurture them. We should expand these shelters when they do not have anyone to adopt them instead of putting these dogs down as we are no one to determine whether they should live based on whether no one wants to adopt them.

Even if they were not initially a part of our society, who are we to judge whether they have the right to live or not? I said it before and I will say it again, they are the most beautiful creatures on this planet, they love unconditionally, they do not ask for more than food, water, and care, and are loyal to whoever they are with, and to be a more civilized country, we must love them and treat them as children of our own.