Dogs, no longer stray

People For Animals (PFA) held a session on Sunday at Gujarat Vidyapith to make citizens aware of animal welfare and the laws in place for prevention of cruelty to animals.

"Central government has framed the Dog Rules Act 2001 which needs to be strictly implemented. Dogs require food, shelter, medical treatment and, most importantly, lot of love. There is also punishment for people who harass animals," said Mahendra Shrimali, secretary, PFA, and honorary Animal Welfare Officer.

The event was aimed at conveying the message that since animals cannot speak for themselves, they have only one ally — people sensitive to their plight. "Animal Birth Control Dogs Rules 2001 needs to be implemented by the municipal corporations in association of animal welfare associations. If anyone hurts or kills dogs, it is an offence, and the police must register a complaint," insisted Niimish M Kapadia, a lawyer.

The event also concluded that stray dogs, now called community dogs, are supposed to, according to the current law; reside in the community where they are found. Srimali said the dogs cannot be captured for any other purpose other than sterilisation.

"It is very important that the government takes proper care of animals and their welfare. It is the government's duty to provide dogs with shelter and security. It's because of us, the human beings, that dogs are suffering. We ought to put an end to that," said Sandra Jhala, president, Animal Lovers Emergency Rescue Team (ALERT).