Animals need no charity from man, what they need is our love and attention. Pradeep Kumar Nath, a dog-lover from Vizag tells us more
“For a little love and a morsel of food the dog almost pledges its life to you. Which other animal will do that?” Asks Pradeep Kumar Nath, who’s known in Vizag for his love for animals. He runs some animal shelters and a hospital. Pradeep is a founder of ABC India (Animal Birth Control) and is also the founder-president of Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals Member, AP State Animal Welfare Board.
Pradeep is no ordinary dog lover. He champions their cause. As a manager in a scheduled bank, he created controversy by walking into the bank with a couple of street dogs at his heels. The rule that animals are not allowed inside bank was for others. And wherever he got transferred his fame or defame as you view it preceded him and many tried to stall his posting to the new branch for fear of it becoming an extended canine shelter! He later quit service to dedicate himself to the animal welfare. It has been 16 years since he and his wife have given their days to animal welfare. Four criminal cases have been slapped against him. He gets abused and has often been threatened for creating ‘nuisance.’ “But I keep doing what I believe is my mission—bring succour to the poor animals.”
Today Pradeep and his wife live for animals. They make 80 packets of food every day and feed the street dogs. has its own pet hospitals and shelters.
“I have converted many ossified dog haters including my father to dog lovers, ,” says Pradeep smiling as he recalls his feats.
“My dad could not stand the sight of a dog. He would kick it and curse it. One day I put a baby Pomeranian on his desk. With its button eyes and white coat it looked like a tennis ball with two eyes. He took to it and fondled it. When it died, my dad could not control his tears!
Q & A
What is meant by ethical treatment of a pet?
Animals need no charity from man. The most tragic part is that many rich people buy exotic dogs. At the first chance of the animal contacting even a simple skin disease or old age they abandon the animals. About 30 per cent of street dogs we find today are pedigree dogs thus abandoned. What a cruelty! Culling or driving out street dogs, which are essentially Indian, is not the solution. Neuter and vaccinate them and leave the dogs back from where they were picked up. Dogs have a high sense of propriety over the area they grew up in. They won’t allow other dogs to come that part. So leaving them in the same place not only ensures their well-being but they also save you from varied marauders.
Could adoption be a part of the solution?
It is. But by itself, it is not. Every residential colony could adopt a few dogs and rear them. They will guard you free of cost.
Who do you think do most harm to pets?
Pet dealers. They are the perpetrators of crime against pets. They breed and cross breed the dogs to make money. And, they have no respect for the law
What is the remedy?
GHMC and other municipalities have powers to impose a license fee on pets. They are not doing this. Today, the so-called pet lovers ill-treat animals as they yap through the night disturbing people around. You know, if a neighbour complains of pets making noise the corporation can impound the animal and penalise the owner. In India people do not assert their rights.
How to behave with a dog
Don’t walk into a nursing mother dog.
Don’t ever run when a dog barks at you.
If you are drunk and walk unsteadily the dog will protest. Don’t attack it, walk as steady as possible.The only language a dog knows is barking. Don’t fret every time it barks. Give it a command to stop. It will obey. It’s only trying to get your attention.
Canine fact file
Street dog brings security to your area. Dogs are territorial creatures and don’t allow new dogs into their areas. This also helps keep at bay dogs with diseases and chase away rats and other rodents. They also eat up leftover food keeping your area clean. If a street dog is neutered and vaccinated they are the best security against thieves and burglars. Trained street dogs have proved to be the best guarantee against intrusion or terrorism.
Which animals are the worst off?
T he cat and bull, says Pradeep. Cats are being surreptitiously butchered and used in restaurants while bulls suffer throughout their lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment