Animal exploitation in TN

Animal exploitation is a pressing concern in Tamil Nadu, where stray dogs and other animals face harassment and cruelty. Despite animal welfare activists' efforts, tensions rise between those who advocate for animal rights and those who view strays as a public nuisance. The Supreme Court's directives to create designated feeding areas for stray dogs have been met with resistance, leading to conflicts between animal lovers and residents.

Key Issues:

- Stray Dog Population: Tamil Nadu has a significant stray dog population, with Chennai alone accounting for nearly 1.8 lakh stray dogs.

- Animal Cruelty: Animals are subjected to physical abuse, poisoning, and other forms of cruelty, with weak penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, failing to deter perpetrators.

- Conflicting Interests: The debate over stray dog feeding has intensified, with some residents opposing the practice and animal welfare groups advocating for the protection of stray animals ¹ ².

Efforts to Address the Issue:

- The Tamil Nadu government has allocated ₹20 crore annually for animal welfare initiatives, including sterilization programs and vaccination drives.

- Animal welfare organizations are working to promote compassion and protect animal rights, while also engaging with the government to develop effective solutions ¹.