Pets have their rights too
The concept of dog licences is still not popular, nor do authorities insist on it. It’s time that a law to protect animal rights is introduced
Sukriti S and Pruthvi R
“Dogs have basic rights to bark. They as pets have some more rights. Only, the poor mute do not demand them but we must give them. If their barking is a nuisance, so is the crying of a child,” says Abhishek Srinivasan, a dog lover.
In India, only a small per cent of people, in particular the well-heeled and the glitterati, rear pets at home. But others who have dogs do not consider them as pets but as part of a security system of their homes.The concept of dog licenses is still not popular, nor do authorities make an effort to insist on it. The states have no special legislation for dogs as yet. This results in municipalities doing what they like with street dogs. And street dogs have absolutely no rights in India.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act enacted in 1960, is the basis of whatever rights animals tend to have today. After the Act the Animal Board of India was formed for promotion of animal welfare. But, decent handling of the mute is still a far cry, say legal experts.
“It is illegal to kill homeless animals. Citizens may only report what they perceive as a nuisance to the municipal authorities,” says Krishna Mohan, a lawyer. Before getting a dog home, one has to take the permission from the Municipal Corporation.
Usually, pets, especially dogs, are not allowed in apartments. But if one desires to have a dog, must take prior permission .There are many NGOs working for animals and pets but not exclusively for a particular animal. When questioned, Krishna Mohan said, “The government is taking a step forward to introduce a law for dogs as well, but it will take a few years,” he said.
Despite there being an active campaigning for animals rights still there exists a general apathy or an aversion towards pet animals, besides lacking in adequate legislation for their cause.Unless these areas are addressed properly, pet lovers cannot make any headway in India.
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