Should Dog Lovers Open Their Homes to Strays?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Relocation of stray dogs is not a viable solution.
- Dog lovers should take more responsibility for stray dogs.
- Public safety concerns must be addressed alongside animal welfare.
- There are approximately 70 million stray dogs in India.
- Practical solutions are needed for the stray dog crisis.
Chennai, Aug 19 (NationPress) Director Ram Gopal Varma has asserted that the relocation of stray dogs is merely a misguided notion and not a viable solution. He stated that if dog enthusiasts truly cared for these animals, they should consider opening up their guest rooms to them.
In a detailed post on his X timeline addressing the calls from dog lovers for relocation, Varma expressed, "People keep repeating the mantra 'relocate the dogs' as if it’s a magic solution. However, relocation simply means shifting the issue from one location to another."
He further elaborated, "Clear one area, and soon enough, the void will attract new dogs, sometimes even more troublesome than the previous ones. So, where do you intend to send the millions of stray dogs? As per the latest statistics, there are around 70 million stray dogs and growing."
"Relocation is not a solution—it’s merely an illusion. It’s an excuse for the uninformed to sidestep tough decisions," the director commented, highlighting the ongoing debate between animal rights advocates and those concerned about public safety.
Varma pointed out the hypocrisy, saying, "Dog lovers often preach from their air-conditioned homes with their elite breeds lounging on luxurious cushions, while the less fortunate deal with the real dangers on the streets. If they genuinely care, they should consider opening their guest rooms to the strays."
Concluding his post, he remarked, "Don’t advocate for relocation to the government while maintaining your lavish spaces free from stray dogs and keeping your children safe from dog bites."
The director has been outspoken about this matter since it gained attention. Previously, he tweeted about a well-known poem from his school days, which he felt overlooked the dangers posed by various pests, including stray dogs that threaten children.