In a landmark ruling that balances compassion for animals with public safety, the Supreme Court of India has directed that women facing harassment or abuse for feeding stray dogs should immediately file an FIR against the perpetrators. This directive comes amid rising tensions between animal lovers and those concerned about stray dog menace in urban areas.
The court emphasized that while citizens have the right to feed stray animals humanely, no one has the authority to resort to violence or verbal abuse over such acts. ‘Feeding strays is not a crime; abusing someone for it is,’ the bench remarked during the hearing.
This order addresses a growing number of incidents where women, often alone in the evenings, have been targeted by angry residents or groups. The judiciary’s intervention aims to protect vulnerable individuals exercising their fundamental right to kindness towards animals.
Legal experts hail this as a progressive step, urging police stations to treat such complaints with utmost seriousness. The ruling also calls for better management of stray populations through sterilization and vaccination drives, rather than vigilante actions.
As cities grapple with overpopulation of street dogs, this decision underscores India’s evolving animal welfare laws. It reminds us that empathy shouldn’t come at the cost of personal safety, and justice must prevail against hooliganism.