A dog who was hit by a motorcycle (courtesy Blue Cross, Chennai)
Everyday citizens encounter stray dogs on the road because of their overwhelming population in our country. As of 2023 records, there are approximately 62 crore stray dogs in India. Many of these dogs are victims of roadkill. Even people get hurt while trying to avoid hurting dogs on the road. Section 428 of the Indian Penal Code states that a fine of Rs 10 or upwards may be charged for the abuse or assault of animals. However ten rupees or more for the cost of an animal’s life diminishes its life’s value greatly. “If a person lying on the road gets hit by a car it is a serious issue, however if the same were to happen to a dog it would not be considered as big an offense. I think that we should consider humans and animals as equals especially when it comes to such problems,” says Janani Krishnamoorthy, Managing Trustee of KSPCA, Kodaikanal.
The Chennai Blue Cross receives hit and run casualty cases frequently. Many a time, these cases go unreported. "Of the injured animals that we encounter, 60-70% are injured due to a vehicle. Most of these cases can be avoided with safe driving. The law has to change and the penalty needs to be stronger. At the end of the day change begins with people and then the law," says a staff member from Blue Cross, Chennai.
Puppies are the most vulnerable beings that are affected by big vehicles. Many animal activists are fighting for this cause so that there is a reduction in the number of hit and run cases involving dogs. "We lost 7-8 puppies in the span of the last six months. They are small, don't know much when they run innocently on the road and thus get crushed by vehicles. However bigger dogs get spine injuries that paralyse and many times we have to amputate their paws," said Ms Hema Kalyan, an animal activist. A dog recently met with an accident in a residential community near OMR and suffered spinal injury and internal injuries that led to its death.
Ms Kalyan says, “My only request is that people become more considerate to these street dogs and drive more carefully. It is our duty to take care of these street dogs and be kind to them. It is a life long pain for the dog when hit by vehicles, whereas it is a matter of choice for humans behind the wheel. Five to six dogs get hit every month and a handful of animal lovers spend time, money and effort to treat them. Homeless dogs living on roads is a sad reality in India. We need to learn to co-exist and reduce their suffering."
This is an issue that affects both humans and animals. Should the law be changed into something more serious wherein those responsible for inflicting pain on animals have to pay a heavier price?