I choose compassion

artirustagi
Aug 25, 2025
3 min read

It’s been 2 weeks.

A lot has happened. And today, the Supreme Court has given its order — this time, somewhat in favour of the dogs. (Yes, there can be speculation, but for now, let’s just keep it at this.)

Over these two weeks, I’ve read countless posts on stray dogs in Delhi NCR — from advocates, brands, executives, individuals, and NGOs. Most have been one-sided, often in favour of humans. A few have been balanced, urging coexistence. Many come from love or hate, some from experience, and some from research.

Mine comes from both lived experience and ground reality.

I say this as someone who is an animal lover, a rescue worker, a volunteer with NGOs, and a pet parent to three indies. I’ve also been out there — protesting, speaking up, listening. I have been bitten before, and yes, I took my rabies shots. I’ve seen suffering on both sides.

So let me say this clearly: this was never humans vs. dogs.

An animal lover is not a human hater.

What we ask for is not chaos, not conflict, but a solution that is safe, sustainable, and compassionate — for both humans and our streeties.

But the hate. The violence. The eagerness to punish the voiceless — that’s what appalls me.

Why is anger not channelled where it matters — at systems that fail us every day?

Let’s not forget: we are a country where marital rape is still not a criminal offense. That is where outrage should go. That is where reform is needed. Not at starving, scared, homeless dogs.

The Human Truth

Humans can speak. Humans can act. Humans can demand change. That is our privilege.

Some raise real fears — about safety, about rabies, about children. These deserve solutions.

But too often, the conversation turns selfish and cruel:“Not our job to feed them.”“Take them home if you care.”Meanwhile, government funds for sterilisation and vaccination remain unused. Feeders — ordinary people showing compassion — are abused, threatened, even assaulted.

So the debate stays one-sided. Humans speak only for themselves. And when the loudest voices are fear and hate, the voiceless are erased.

We say “streets aren’t for dogs.” But we clear forests, flatten mountains, and destroy habitats — as if the planet exists only for us.

The Dog Truth

But let’s not forget the other side. Dogs can’t file FIRs. They can’t write LinkedIn posts. They can’t speak in their own defense.

So let me share for them:

Dogs are territorial, not malicious.
They feel hunger and pain. Like us, they get irritable when starving.
They live in constant anxiety — chased by cars, beaten by guards, abused and abandoned.
They have no guaranteed food, shelter, or healthcare.
They suffer silently, multiplying because they are unsterilized.

This is their everyday reality.

Some links to update yourself on incidents:

The Way Forward

This verdict is not the end. It’s the beginning. Now comes the real work:

Governments must fund NGOs and open more ABC (Animal Birth Control) centres.

Records must be maintained.

Abandonment must be penalised.

Laws against cruelty must be enforced.

Illegal breeding must be checked and punished.

Shelters must be built where feeders and communities can engage responsibly.

Other countries manage coexistence. So can we.

My Ask

Reflect. Question. Be informed. Don’t be a sheep in the herd.

If justice is what you seek, then be fair.

If safety is what you seek, then fight for systemic change where it matters.

If hate is your agenda… I have nothing more to say.

Learn from communities where dogs and humans live peacefully. It is possible. But it will never come from cruelty.

And lastly — try, just try, to choose compassion.