Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Shanta Kumar termed the Supreme Court’s suo motu cognizance of the problem of stray dogs and animals as a failure of the government and society. He said that this responsibility is not of the courts but of the government and society, which should be fulfilled immediately.
Shanta Kumar said in a statement on Monday that it is unfortunate that the Supreme Court has to consider this issue in the world’s largest democracy. He said that according to a report, about 37 lakh people were bitten by dogs in the last one year, in which thousands of people were injured and some even lost their lives. He raised the question that is it not the responsibility of the government and society to ensure the safety of its citizens?
Shanta Kumar thanked the Supreme Court and said that the court had only said that these dogs should be kept in shelters. But after this, dog lovers started protests across the country, due to which the court also had to reconsider its decision. He expressed concern that in India, cow is considered sacred, but the same cows and other animals roam around on the streets, eat garbage and many times become the cause of road accidents. Despite this, the government and society have never shown seriousness on this issue.
Shanta Kumar said that this problem will not be solved by the Supreme Court taking cognizance. It is the responsibility of the government and society as per the Constitution. He urged all the state governments to think seriously on this issue, take the support of the society and fulfill their responsibility.
