Let a Stray Adopt You

(Toastmasters' Prepared Speech)

 The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is perhaps not as widely discussed a piece of legislation as the proposed Lokpal bill. The obscurity of this law, which virtually defines the legal status of animals in our country, is reflective of a general lack of awareness on this issue in our society.

  Perhaps the most visible of animal-related problems that we struggle with today is that of stray dogs.

 I am reminded of last week, when while on my way back from work at about 2:30 AM, I spotted a young man on the Channasandra Bridge. His bike turned off and parked beside him, this particular man was sitting on the railing with his legs folded up to his chin while a pack of dogs waited below!

 It is undeniable that stray dogs can be seen everywhere in our city and all across India. It is equally undeniable that they bring in tow their own set of problems. They breed, they fall sick; sometimes, they even turn vicious and attack humans.

 But this is, fortunately, not the Parliament, and I am not here to table a bill on the ‘National Crisis Facing the Country in the Shape of Stray Canine Infestation.’ What I can do however, is draw from my own experience and study of the matter and suggest some ways in which you and I as individuals can help make this problem, if not disappear, at least diminish in size.

 The number of stray dogs in India is estimated to be anywhere between 8 to 20 million. And the middle income group approximately 50 million in number. Even modest calculations make it 2.5 persons with a moderate income per stray dog. What can these 2 and a half men and women do to help?

 Several things, actually. You can choose your level of involvement. If you are busy and not altogether fond of handling dogs yourself, you can choose to donate to NGOs like CUPA who do more than an admirable job of managing the ever-growing stray dog population in our city. If you’re planning on getting a dog for yourself or your family, pick a stray that needs your love and care much, much more than a purebred that is more often than not brought into this world for the sole purpose of being sold. ‘Let’s Live Together’ is another NGO that holds regular adoption camps all over the city and helps strays find loving homes.

 If you would like to contribute in a more hands-on way, you can start feeding your neighborhood strays and keeping an eye out for their general welfare. Strays need not be fed more than once a day as they are usually capable of finding food for themselves. Even if you cannot bring in a dog into your own home, you can find a vet or Government veterinary hospital near your locality and contact them in case any of them fall sick.

 Like most animals, dogs are territorial and don’t respond well to sudden relocations. If you find municipality workers or CUPA volunteers taking away dogs from your locality for sterilization, make it a point to speak to them and remind them to return these dogs to the same locality. This simple step can prevent dogs from turning overly aggressive and attack other dogs and people.

 But, why should we do it? Speaking from personal experience of raising four stray animals in my house and supporting seventeen others between my house and the main road, keeping pets can have several benefits.

 A research study held at the Medical College of Georgia reveals that growing up with pets help children grow stronger immunities against allergies. Studies also support the idea that children can be taught important life skills like showing compassion for other living creatures, learning to take responsibility and caring, developing a bond with nature, and so on. Pets fulfill children’s need for physical activity, displays of affection, and even teaches them to deal with loss and bereavement.

 Even for grown-ups, pet dogs are off immense help. They guard your home, offer unconditional love and friendship, help you forget an insensitive boss or the traffic at Domlur Bridge! If treated with love and respect, dogs will never let you feel lonely. The mere act of brushing your dog is known to release endorphins in your brain that act as an instant pick-me-up.

 Stray dogs have a rare combination of street smarts and unflinching loyalty that perhaps no other animal can quite match. But don’t take my word for it! Experience the joy of caring for another living creature first-hand. Open your heart and your door and let a stray adopt you.