Sullia: On Gandhi Jayanti, Canine Massacre in Subramanya

Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia

Sullia, Oct 3: It was supposed to be a day when the nation remembered Mahatma Gandhi and if not follow, at least respect his ideals. But what was witnessed in the temple town of Subramanya was something grossly cruel.

The Subramanya gram panchyat went on a dog-hunting mission and massacred more than 50 stray and domestic dogs, much to the shock and anger of the locals.

As there were no licensed expert canine catchers available in Sullia, a couple of experts were called from Tamil Nadu and given the job of cleansing Subramanya of dogs. They camped in the town on Monday September 1 and laid traps in every lane. For each dog they caught, they were paid Rs 180, it is said. The operation has continued on Wednesday too.

The carcasses have been heaped into a large pit, and on Thursday October 4, a mass burial will be held, said gram panchayat vice-president Narayana Agrahara.

The locals admit that the stray dogs have been a nuisance to temple visitors, pedestrians, children and cyclists, but opine that killing them on Gandhi Jayanti was not right as it was against the principles of non-violence.

A woman resident said that the gram panchayat's action was too sudden and unexpected. "The gram panchayat officials should have at least given a notice or made a public announcement about the operation, instructing the people to tie up their domestic dogs or put identity belts on them. They should not have taken such a step without warning," she said.

However, gram panchayat president Bhaskar Poojary claimed that the decision in this regard was taken at a general meeting of the panchayat a month ago following complaints made by the locals, and that announcements were made publicly on the instructions of Sullia circle inspector.

Subramanya unit BJP president Achyut Gowda felt that the gram panchayat should have notified the locals at least a week in advance, so that they could take care of their domestic dogs. "It is painful to see domestic dogs that have been raised like children become victims of such a massacre. It is an unpardonable crime," he said.

Devaragadde resident Shekar said that the animal rights society would be approached and a complaint would be filed urging intervention in the matter.

In the midst of all the flak, the gram panchayat's action received some backing too. Narasimha Murthy, a tourist from Bangalore lauded the move and said that those who raise domestic dogs should keep them tied. The stray dogs are a nuisance to the thousands of devotees who come to Subramanya on a daily basis. "It is a welcome move," he added.