You can bark, but don’t bite

There are two kinds of people. Those who love dogs and those who don’t. That’s why Mumbai’s housing societies are currently snarling/wagging their tails over BMC’s plans to revise its pet policy. The reasons for an undoubtedly tighter leash are a spate of dog attacks, and hospital statistics revealing that 75% are pets, not much-maligned strays. Mumbai Mirror’s lead story which reported this has led to very loud barks on our gated community’s common WhatsApp group �?foolproof barometer of social dynamics, political leanings, consumption patterns, and the nuisance neuroses of 2308B. It’s become poop-littered battleground of dog-haves and have-nots.
Humancentric world view is normally myopic over rights of any other species. At risk of being booked, or excised from BookMyShow, I’ll even say that dogs are a little like women in India: pedestalised as ‘man’s best friend�? but unempowered strays are kicked around. Most pet dogs, however, are pampered with coiffures and pedicures, designer coats and cute boots �?with which they walk all over their so-called masters.

Here’s a dispatch from what’s literally a turf war. Have-nots vehemently demand that these messy, dangerous beasts be kept off the grass. All other general areas too. The haves as unyieldingly pit themselves against such bull. They insist that bye-laws and maintenance charges entitle all occupants of a flat to all common facilities regardless of number or number of legs. Their slogan: ‘Running free is my non-violent hound’s right, and he shall have it.�?br> Negotiations, if that be the word, rival Ukraine/Gaza impasse. Dober-man lot bares fangs; pet-peeved lobby gives no pause. Once-bitten lady is twice as vociferous. Muzzle my anger? Mad or wot? Neither party blinks, let alone bark down. Peace-brokers have begun feeling like bone of contention itself: that they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. It’s impossible to remain as neutral as a Swiss mastiff.

Our Chinese Chow alone maintains its inscrutable mein while quietly plotting how to benefit from these two-legged poodles refusing to use their noodles.

Compromise is easy, but who says rights and rules can coexist?
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Alec Smart said: “Bloodbath everywhere; suicide bombing at home. Oh what a crazy war!�?/p>

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Views expressed above are the author's own.

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