The 21st century has been an era of startling contrasts, paradoxes and anomalies so as to say. 

Let me explain:

On the one hand, we have tremendous advances in amenities thanks to Science and Technology - higher rate of consumption, commercialization, showmanship, more glitz and glamour all around. On the other hand, we have seen the depths to which human nature can fall- regressive, cannibalistic, primal, bestial and more - with horrifying crimes reported against children, women and nations out of lust for money, success, fame etc.

Man has reached the moon and beyond it. However, we see the pathetically alarming case of US astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague trapped in the nowhere land in space, out of reach from any human or tech help, lost to their families and the world.

Such developments make one question - technological or scientific development to what purpose & for whose benefit??

Coming down to the topic of my article- Love animals and treat them well. But at what cost?

In recent years, we have seen an active involvement of men and women towards protecting domestic and stray animals like dogs and cattle, especially in our cities and towns. Orphaned animals are bought, adopted, reared, pampered and put on display on various social handles as status symbols. No one dares to harm even a rabid stray dog. Feeding of street dogs and cattle has become a common sight. This is a heartwarming development no doubt but it has also led to unwanted and sometimes dangerous disruptions and disturbances for the users of the roads.

As one ventures out to take a walk in the early hours of the day or during the day or in the evening on different errands, one witnesses dogs fighting over food placed on roadside and cows waiting patiently at every gate in the colony.

This common sight at first astonished me. Then it reminded me of the people I have worked and lived with on my transferrable job, especially with people from Haryana, Rajasthan, UP, Bihar etc. Every day at meal, they offer food to Gods and to the cows. I have seen them place at least half a dozen rotis or bananas wrapped in newspapers outside the gates for the roaming cattle and dogs. Of course, this is a very humane gesture by these people. But it is also creating unpleasant side effects for the passersby.

For one, the footpaths and roads are made dirty and slippery with food. Secondly, these animals occupy the footpaths outside the houses and flats faithfully waiting for hours waiting to be fed by the inmates, thus blocking the way of the pedestrians and vehicles. Sometimes they get frisky and try to use their horns on each other, scaring the passersby. Secondly, they are quite comfortable in letting down huge amount of urine and dung right at the spots where they are standing oblivious to the people passing by splashing upon their clothes, to compound it all. Once they get through their feed, they settle down comfortably, around these houses, staking their claim on the stretches of roads and footpaths, obstructing the movement of bikes, autos and pedestrians alike. The reality of the situation is that the cattle owners are happy to let them roam, visiting their benefactors and enjoying their breakfast, lunch etc.

The case of stray dogs ruling over most lanes and streets of cities and towns is something of great concern. Despite several cases of dogs attacking children without any provocation being reported, the affected citizens cannot drive away these animals. All kinds of organisations and bigwigs pop up to condemn them for showing cruelty to animals. It is thus another example of blatant civic violation in our country. So it is high time the government and local civic authorities find ways to solve this problem.

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