SC's directive allowing release of stray dogs draws positive reactions in UP

Bulandshahr/Varanasi/Ghaziabad, Aligarh (UP), Aug 22 (PTI) The Supreme Court's order allowing release of stray dogs in their original locality after sterilisation and vaccination, modifying its earlier directive prohibiting their relocation, has drawn largely positive reactions in Uttar Pradesh, even from the family of a Kabaddi player who died due to rabies.
     In Bulandshahr's Khurja region, the family of state-level kabaddi player Brijesh Solanki (22), who died in June after being bitten by a stray puppy, welcomed the top court's recent ruling in the stray dogs case.
     Solanki had ignored a bite on his finger while rescuing a puppy from a drain, did not get an anti-rabies vaccine in time, and succumbed to the infection two months later.
     His brother Sandeep Solanki told PTI, "We agree with the court's decision. The directions given by the Supreme Court to control stray dogs are commendable. We hope such measures can prevent families from suffering tragedies like ours."
     In Varanasi, a mahant (head) of a temple also welcomed the decision and emphasised the religious and cultural significance of dogs.
     "The dog is not just an animal; in Sanatan tradition, it is considered the vehicle of Lord Bhairav, the guardian deity of Kaliyug. At our temple, 12 dogs reside and even participate in the daily aarti, making conch-like sounds," said Mahant Jitendra Mohan Puri of Batuk Bhairav Temple.
     "Just as one mentally unstable human is treated in an asylum, not all of society is punished. The same principle should apply to dogs. They are protectors of homes and towns from thieves and dangers. In fact, dogs and cows have been humanity's companions since ancient times; they deserve respect, even national recognition," he added.
     Aligarh, a district that has faced a persistent stray dog problem, has also welcomed the changed order.
     Two years ago, a retired doctor, Dr Safdar Ali, was killed by a pack of stray dogs while on a morning walk inside the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus. His relative, Rahat Abrar, said, "The intervention by the apex court should be welcomed by all those citizens who value human life and right to safety of common citizens."
     He noted that both AMU and municipal authorities had failed to address the issue despite numerous reported incidents.
     The problem continues to be a daily reality for many in the district. Just last week, on August 17, a woman named Sarita died after falling from a two-wheeler while being chased by a pack of stray dogs.
    Meanwhile, Ghaziabad Mayor Sunita Dayal said municipal authorities will ensure compliance with the order. "Once the state government issues directives, action will be initiated at the city level. Implementation of the court's guidelines will be carried out in full," she said.
    The Supreme Court, while expanding the scope of the matter pan-India, has directed civic authorities to sterilise and vaccinate strays, create designated feeding zones and prohibit feeding on streets. The matter will be taken up again after eight weeks.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)