As an animal lover and responsible citizen, I am aghast and dismayed at the same time at the rate at which pets are being abandoned! Tying an animal to a bench and leaving it is murder! As pets, animals give us constant love, affection, and loyalty, and is this how we repay them? If they are fortunate enough to be rescued, will they ever learn to trust again? Dumping a pet is the worst case of abandonment. The animals are left confused and even injured. At first, they do not know what is happening to them as most of them are completely domesticated, without any idea about how to survive on the streets. They cannot even scavenge for food because their systems are delicate and unable to digest the waste on which an indigenous street dog might thrive.
People have all sorts of weird reasons for abandonment: Dog has behavioral issues; it does not get along with other household pets; it is hostile towards family members; it litters up the house and is not learning house etiquette; it is chewing up everything and is too high on energy; no time for him now; moving house and the new society does not allow pets; medical emergencies; new job; sudden pet allergies; partner not comfy with the pet, financial constraints and not able to afford medication of an ailing or aged dog. The female dog could have gotten pregnant due to the irresponsibility of the owners and then they dumped her for no fault of hers. A newer excuse is mandatory pet registration with the municipalities and annual renewal causing more financial burden! Well! Why were all these considerations not pondered over before getting a pet? Was it not obvious that it would have to be toilet trained just like a human child, that it would have to be looked after like a human family member, and that it would grow old or get sick just like a human? Are these people the ones who dump their old parents in old-age homes? And, those who do not, would you care to abandon your child or parent in case of some inconvenience caused by them? Why should you buy a house/flat in a society where pets are not allowed when you already have one? Why should you get an easy life while your pet dies a slow, painful death on the road, or- if rescued- end up in a shelter? Ask the NGOs working for animal welfare how difficult it is to get abandoned dogs rehomed! You know, you are a sinner and the power above will ensure you repay for every missed beat of the sorrowful pet you have abandoned!
My emotions run riot whenever I touch this topic! But, on a practical note, are there ways to curb such abandonments? We will have to make sure that every pet owner understands and owns up to his/her responsibility. For this, the municipalities must have an updated record of all pet owners. To ensure willing participation, the civic body will have to do away with the financial aspect of this and work with the sole intent of animal welfare- yes, breeders should be charged a license fee! Municipalities should also ask pet owners to inform them in case of accidental pregnancies and offer support in the adoption of litter. Here another important aspect comes into play: Affordable or free medication! The government veterinary hospitals have nothing to offer to pet owners except for corruption. The authorities must ensure that cheap yet expert medical care is available for the animals, thus helping in the prevention of ailment-related abandonments. Affordable or free sterilisation (spay, neuter) must be readily available. The biggest role can be played by neighbourhoods: Responsible citizens must keep an eye on those with pets in their area and report their sudden missing to the police. The police must question the owner and even lodge an FIR in case of unsatisfactory explanations. Societies must not ban pets. Microchipping of all animals must be made mandatory and even free so that they can be traced and so can their owners. Last but not least: Hold individuals accountable for abandoning pets through stricter enforcement of animal cruelty laws. It is but a combined and shared responsibility if we want man’s best friend to be happier!
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