‘Transfer Stray Dogs To Assam For Consumption’, Says Maharashtra’s MLA

MUMBAI: Animal advocates have criticised an independent MLA's remarks about how Maharashtra should handle its canine population.

All stray dogs from Maharashtra should be relocated to Assam, according to Omprakash Babarao Kadu, an independent MLA from Achalpur and the leader of the Prahar Janshakti Party, because the people there eat dog meat and it is a workable solution to the state's canine population.

Kadu made the comments in response to a debate in the Maharashtra Legislature about the threat posed by street dogs, which was brought up by MLAs Pratap Sarnaik and Atul Bhatkhalkar.

According to Kadu, Assam should receive all stray dogs from the state because people there eat dog meat.

Kadu urged traders to find a solution to address the stray dog problem in Maharashtra and cited his recent trip to Assam in saying that canines there are sold for between Rs 8,000 and Rs 9,000.

The MLA was criticised by Taronish Balsara, the organization's founder, for making such offensive and odd remarks.

"The MLA's assertion contradicts the government's efforts to protect animals. Dog relocation and slaughter are utterly wrong," he added.

"People need to first be made aware of animal regulations since they are not familiar with them. I'm not sure about the laws in Assam, but moving pets is not permitted in Maharashtra," Balsara stated.

Animal rights activists are outraged by Kadu's remarks and concerned about the MLA's callousness in handling the problem of stray dogs.

"Dogs have never been used as human food, only as companion animals. In actuality, eating dog meat is known to contain a number of dangerous poisons.”

“The only moral and successful approach to reducing the number of stray dogs is animal birth control, which local authorities should implement in a very planned and strategic way.”

“Every animal has the right to a dignified and respectful existence. Although the world is evolving towards ethical and sustainable behaviours, such as vegetarianism, this (MLA's statement) is inappropriate," Meenal Rajda, a founding member of the Young Association in Defence of Animals, stated this. 

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