Strays 8212; Exaggerating a non-issue

It is very important to understand that strays are created by human beings 8211; human irresponsibility, antipathy and misbehaviour. People who are initiating this debate seem to have forgotten this very vital link with dogs. The number of dogs stated needs to be verified, for the number is absolutely exaggerated. Besides it is very rarely that a dog bites of his own volition. No dog attacks unless provoked. It is not an uncommon sight to see children pelting stones at dogs and adults hitting them with stick for no rhyme or reason.

The accusation that the work of the animal organisations is merely on paper is totally false. The number of dogs has not increased out of proportion because organisations like the Blue Cross Society have been working continuously, sterilising 400 dogs at a time. It is high time that one began appreciating their hard work in spite of lack of support and funds. In fact, it would be a good idea to transfer some of the extra funds from other activities and organisations, to this good and humane cause.

The anti-animal activists are forgetting one simple law of nature. That it keeps its balance no matter what happens. Meaning 8211; if you kill dogs, nature will act faster and produce more dogs somewhere to maintain the number. And the whole exercise will be futile and a waste of time, energy, money and lives.

Besides there are a number of human rights issues which need immediate attention, far more important and hazardous to health. Instead of constantly harping on the dogs, these real issues should be handled on a priority basis. The following are the more close issues, for the well-being of humanity and which organisations like National Human Rights Commission NHRC should address urgently :
1 Crackers: Crackers, needless to even mention, are dangerous to human life in more ways than one 8211; air and sound pollution, burns, unclean surroundings. The ceaseless, ear-splitting sounds for days and night, drives you mad, disturbs children, the aged and the sick. They might even initiate heart troubles and attacks. It is time to put a stop to this noisy entertainment and make Diwali and other festivals a pleasurable event for all.
2 Loudspeakers: In almost every city in India, it has become a fashion and a politically compulsive act to blow loudspeakers with a variety of songs. People8217;s religious and patriotic feelings are understood, but suffering this harsh sound throughout the night, loud enough to wake the dead, is not.
3 Plastic bags: The use of plastic bags is proving very dangerous, especially to animals. Something ought to be done about this problem. It is only when you see dogs, cats and cows with plastic bags half hanging out of their rear body that you realise what a serious problem this is.
And lastly, children play games on the road. They hit the balls on to your windows and vehicles and often straight on your eyes. The kite thread can cut your throat. Does that mean, that you will stop children from playing on the road though they create noisy and dangerous situations for others.
Violation of human rights is a very relative term. What can violate one person8217;s rights, could be someone else8217;s right to produce and so on ?The point is, if one starts discarding everything that is dangerous or useless, or starts killing due to some biased person8217;s version of 8220;dangerous,8221; the list will not stop at dogs. Some may feel that there are many human elements far more dangerous than dogs can ever be! In short, it is time to stop encouraging these anti-animal activists or animal haters, who instead of doing something about the real problems facing us today, are making an issue of the stray dogs involving big political names for some ulterior motives.

And last but not least 8211; this earth is for everyone. Humans have no right to declare this earth as theirs. By doing this, they are behaving like frightened, incapable beings, unable to face the challenge of co-existence and harmony. Live and let live should be the motto of all intelligent and sensitive human beings. Death is not a solution to the dog issue. Patience, sensitivity, humanity and sterilisation are.
Bipinchandra Chaugule
e-mail: cbipinvsnl.com

Right move
This refers to the report, 8220;PMC favours killing menacing stray dogs8217; Oct 22. Yes, the Pune Municipal Corporation has taken a right decision to kill the stray dogs and to save the human beings.

The civic body has the responsibility to protect the human lives within its limits. They should ignore and neglect pseudo stray dog lovers.

Anyone who has read the letter by Smita Mudliar published on Oct 22 in the Vivacity page will definitely abandon their love towards the stray dogs and campaign against dogs. Those arm chair letter writers have nothing to lose than writing a few letters, but the victims of a dog bite have to face all the consequences. Mudliar has with-held her address perhaps because of the fear from those dog lovers. Of late, these dog lovers have become a great menace in Pune.

I am doubtful whether any of these pseudo dog lovers ever have contributed a penny to save the stray dogs. If they really are lovers of dogs, they could take over the dogs from the PMC authorities before they are killed, instead of bursting crocodile tears.

Let all the stray dog lovers send their photographs and their residential address to the press for publication, so that the citizens and the PMC can hand over those stray dogs at their residences.
T V K Nair
Opp Akashvani, Hadapsar
Pune 411 028

Philately museum
The news that the Department of Posts is planning a museum on philately is a welcome news. I on behalf of all members of International Collectors Society of Rare Items congratulate the Department of Posts for taking such a step. Indeed it is necessary to setup a museum about philately in Pune, the city of knowledge.

Stamps, in today8217;s world of war and hatred bring the countries together. President Roosevelt of USA, a great philatelist had rightly said, 8220;My stamps album is the only place where all countries stay together peacefully.8221;

I am sure such a museum will inculcate the habit of collecting among the younger generation now being plagued by the obscene programmes on television and cable networks.

I, on behalf of International Collectors Society of Rare Items offer all type of free help and assistance to the postal department in setting up this museum.

I also urge all philatelist of Pune to come and join together to form this museum. I am sure if all the philatelist come together this museum will become one of the best in India. The International Collectors Society of Rare Items has already started holding workshops on philately for school children and we are forming young collectors clubs at every school in Pune. Those children will be the future torchbearers of this hobby. With this museum, I am sure Pune will have another feather in its cap.
Rajnish Karnik
Secretary
International Collectors Society of Rare Items
4013, Kausar Baug,
Kondhwa, Pune 411 048.