All human-animal conflict that we see is a result of human error, say Activists

Activists Claim Human-Animal Conflicts Stem from Human Mistakes

Activists highlight the dangers of pet abandonment, urging responsible ownership to prevent conflicts

World

Mahim, India, Pit Bull, Animal Welfare, Abandonment, Satej Shinde

Mahim: A child was hurt after a pit bull was abandoned at the beach. The owner just walked away, leaving the dog to roam. Thankfully, photojournalist Satej Shinde was there and jumped in to help. He got a few scrapes but managed to protect the kids.

The dog ran towards some children playing, causing chaos. Shinde saw the whole thing unfold and rushed in to fend off the dog while still holding his camera. A local guy named Ramesh helped grab the dog and tied it to a boat until the police arrived. Shinde later went to the hospital for an anti-rabies shot.

Animal activists are really concerned about pet abandonment. They say it’s not just illegal but also puts everyone at risk. Advocate Pawan Satyaprakash Sharma pointed out that many people buy pets without thinking about the long-term commitment. This often leads to pets being abandoned when they become too much to handle.

PETA has reported that millions of dogs and cats are suffering on the streets of India. They emphasize that pit bulls are often abandoned because people don’t understand their needs. These dogs are sometimes bred for aggression, which can lead to dangerous situations if they’re not properly cared for.

Civic bodies are starting to take action. Some cities have banned certain aggressive breeds to keep the community safe. It’s a step in the right direction, but there’s still a lot of work to do.

Shinde shared his experience, saying he was just trying to take some photos when he noticed the man leaving the dog behind. It all happened so fast, and he felt he had to act. He’s glad he was there to help, but it’s a reminder of how important responsible pet ownership is.

In March 2024, the government even issued a circular about banning foreign dog breeds, but it was later withdrawn for revision. PETA is pushing for stronger measures to protect vulnerable breeds.

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/pitbull-dog-at-mahim-beach-activists-say-abandoning-pet-animals-is-not-only-illegal-but-dangerous-too-23461399