Compassion for stray dogs, but not for humans?
VB Editorial | August 15, 2025 |
The Supreme Court’s recent order to move stray dogs from residential areas to shelters has set off a storm of debate. For families who have suffered because of dog attacks, this comes as a much-awaited relief. But for animal rights groups, it is a hasty and misguided move. Rahul Gandhi too has spoken in defence of the right of stray dogs to live freely. Many argue that mute animals deserve to coexist alongside us.
But here is the difficult truth: compassion towards animals cannot come at the cost of human safety. Delhi alone records nearly 30,000 dog bite cases every year. Across India, more than 10,000 cases occur daily. According to UN estimates, India accounts for 35% of the world’s rabies deaths, with 18,000–20,000 lives lost every year. Most of these victims are children under the age of 15. Behind these numbers are heartbreaking stories — parents losing young ones to a disease that is entirely preventable.
The danger is not imaginary. In big cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, stray dog attacks are as frightening as the threat of criminals after dark. A lone youngster returning home late is as likely to fear a pack of dogs as an armed thief. In urban areas, stray dogs thrive on leftovers from hotels and roadside stalls, becoming bolder and more aggressive. They no longer live on the margins of society; they have moved into its very heart, sometimes turning ordinary nights into scenes of terror.
The tragedy is compounded by India’s weak public health system. Rabies vaccines and medicines are often unavailable, especially in rural areas. People tend to ignore small scratches or minor bites, not realising how fatal rabies can be if untreated. Last year, an inter-state kabaddi player, Brijesh Solanki from Uttar Pradesh, died after rescuing a puppy that bit him. He dismissed the injury as minor, did not take preventive medication, and paid with his life three months later. A para-athlete in Odisha, Jogendra Chatriya, also died in similar circumstances, along with another victim bitten the same day. Such deaths are not rare; they are frequent, painful reminders of systemic neglect.
Of course, this does not mean stray dogs should be eliminated. They have always been part of India’s ecological balance. But letting them roam freely in such large numbers, in a country with poor healthcare access, is an open invitation to disease and death. Without proper shelters, sterilisation programmes, and medical facilities, compassion alone becomes dangerous idealism.
And there is another question we rarely ask. Why do we show endless sympathy for stray dogs but not for the 15 million children who live homeless on India’s streets? Why do people see God in dogs but not in the hungry eyes of children sleeping at railway stations? Why is the killing of dogs considered barbaric, but the lynching of humans in the name of cows or religion explained away in silence? When society values the life of a stray dog more than the dignity of its children, we must pause and ask what this compassion really means.
The Supreme Court’s concern reflects the reality that cannot be ignored. Unless every child and citizen can walk safely on the streets, unless rabies medicines are available in every hospital and pharmacy, it is dangerous to romanticise the free movement of stray dogs. Compassion for animals is noble, but compassion that forgets humans is misplaced. In the end, compassion for stray dogs, but not for humans, is no compassion at all.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
