Pleasant folks of this humble city, what's your take on this?
To everyone in this city who has ever slowed their car for an animal in apathy on the road, or left water outside their door in this heat — this post is for you.
I want to talk about stray animals in Bhubaneswar. Not as a debate, not as a political talking point — but as a question of empathy. What do we, as a city, actually feel when we look at them?
I ask because something has been sitting heavy with me. The Supreme Court has, once again, issued statements about curbing the presence of street dogs — conveniently timed, as it often is, around moments when the public is asking harder questions of the government. And I keep returning to the same thought: by the very logic being applied here, humans — who cause incomparably more harm, more violence, more destruction — should be the first candidates for relocation and rehabilitation. The selective application of "public safety" has never been about safety. It has always been about who we decide deserves space.
Bhubaneswar has always shared its streets with strays. That hasn't changed. What has changed is their condition — visibly, heartbreakingly worse. Between the heat, the neglect, and the noise around their very right to exist, these animals are suffering in plain sight.
If you are part of any group, shelter, feeding initiative, rescue network, or even an informal community of people who care — please reach out or drop a comment. I want to learn, contribute, and show up. Tell me where to go, who to call, what is already being done.
They cannot ask for help. So I'm asking on their behalf.
P.S. — Sorry for the long read.