You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.

Ethical issues involved

→ Lack of convenience to two wheelers, cyclists and residents due to dog chasing. → Health issues due to dog biting. → Attack on girl who was severely injured due by a pack of dogs. → Affects Article (19) freedom of movement of people due to fear of stray dogs. → Vigilante groups killing dogs raises two separate ethical issues.

Short term measures

(1) Visiting the 8 year old girl and ensuring that she be provided best medical care.

(2) Calling the dog rescue van of the municipal corporation and rescuing dogs not just from affected area but from other areas as well that suffer from similar problem.

(3) Arrest of people belonging to vigilante groups for killing of animals under Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act.

Long term measures

→ Roping in animal rights NGOs to promote a culture of dog love and domestication in the city highlighting positive attributes of dog like loyalty and honesty.

→ creating a dedicated helpline number to be given to societies that face such problem in the future.

→ Vaccination to street dogs.

→ creating separate and dedicated places for street dogs where they can be provided with food and shelter.