Sharmila Tagore Reacts to SC’s Order on Delhi-NCR Stray Dogs
Veteran Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore has recently reacted to the Supreme Court’s order to send stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelter homes. The actress, known for her iconic roles in films like “Aradhana” and “Vijay”, expressed her concerns about the drastic measure, urging the government to reconsider its decision.
In an interview, Tagore said, “In silencing those who cannot protect themselves, we risk losing something essential within ourselves. This need of experience over sympathy has caused tremendous harm.” Her statement highlights the importance of empathy and understanding towards the plight of stray dogs, who are already vulnerable and helpless.
The Supreme Court’s order has sparked widespread debate and controversy, with many animal lovers and welfare organizations expressing their outrage and disappointment. The court’s decision was made in response to a PIL filed by a resident of Delhi, who complained about the growing number of stray dogs in the city and the health risks they pose to humans.
However, many experts and animal welfare organizations argue that the solution lies not in rounding up and sending stray dogs to shelters, but in addressing the root causes of their presence. They point out that stray dogs are often a result of irresponsible pet ownership, lack of spaying/neutering, and inadequate animal control measures.
Tagore’s reaction to the Supreme Court’s order is not surprising, given her long-standing commitment to animal welfare and social causes. As the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, she has been a vocal advocate for animal rights and has worked tirelessly to promote awareness about animal welfare issues.
The actress’s concerns are echoed by many animal lovers and welfare organizations, who argue that the Supreme Court’s order is not only inhumane but also ineffective. They point out that shelters are often overcrowded and underfunded, and that many stray dogs are not socialized or trained, making it difficult for them to be adopted.
In fact, a study by the Animal Welfare Board of India found that only about 10% of stray dogs in India are adopted, while the rest are either killed or die in shelters. This highlights the need for a more humane and effective approach to managing stray dog populations.
So, what can be done to address the issue of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and elsewhere in India? Experts suggest that a multi-pronged approach is needed, including:
- Spaying/neutering: Mass spaying/neutering programs can help reduce the number of stray dogs, as well as prevent unwanted litters.
- Adoption: Promoting adoption of stray dogs can help reduce the number of dogs in shelters and find them forever homes.
- Education: Educating the public about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the importance of spaying/neutering can help reduce the number of stray dogs.
- Inclusive animal control: Animal control measures should be inclusive and humane, taking into account the welfare of both humans and animals.
- Collaboration: Collaboration between animal welfare organizations, government agencies, and the public is essential to addressing the issue of stray dogs.
In conclusion, Sharmila Tagore’s reaction to the Supreme Court’s order is a timely reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding towards the plight of stray dogs. The issue of stray dogs is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach, including education, adoption, and inclusive animal control measures. It is essential that we work together to find a humane and effective solution to this problem, rather than resorting to drastic measures that risk causing harm to these vulnerable animals.
