What we are asking for 

A hefty monetary fine should be levied on drivers who crush animals while driving carelessly

What purpose will it serve? 

It will discourage careless humans from banging into dogs while driving and make the world safer for this wonderful species. Since dogs are fully dependent on humans for taking them to hospitals, it will be very useful for those animals who die helplessly, in great pain, in hit and run accidents.

Is it easily do-able ?

Yes. People would say that they can’t be responsible for animals that suddenly stray into their path or are too small to be seen. The same holds true for human children. We have any number of them running across roads especially at red lights and yet we don’t hear of children being crushed with impunity.

How can it be implemented ?

The complaint can be made by any witness to the state forest officials / FIAPO officials/ PETA officials/ WWF officials accompanied by photographs and the fines can be levied after verification when there is a doubt . If this seems cumbersome, please remember that the process for any driver to claim insurance involves calling an insurance official who certifies the damage to the car, takes photographs and makes an official recommendation.

At the very least, the driver whose car hits an animal should pay for its medical treatment.

Background 

On the 28th of July 2021, the residents of Sarvodaya Enclave (a beautiful green colony nestled in South Delhi) were saddened to hear of the passing away of one of their colony residents. This was no ordinary resident. She was a beautiful stray dog who was looked after by two residents of the colony, Ruhi and Rashmi, with other dog lovers in the colony chipping in. She went by the name Chocolatey. The innocent, loving Chocolatey was run over by a biker who broke her spine. She suffered a lot because she could not be moved due to a broken spine and had to wait for experts to lift and take her to the hospital. She did not survive the accident.

Yes, dogs do run after cars and bikes and bark at the rider. They seldom bite. So do beggars and small children dash between cars. We as adults must have restraint and compassion, and use our intelligence and reflexes well.

We owe a debt of gratitude to dogs 

Dogs in general have divine qualities of unconditional love and unbelievable grace. We can learn so much from them.

Much of our understanding of the human body and also the medicines we use have come from experiments with dogs. You will recall the origin of the term ‘Pavlovian reflex’. Though we have dogs to thank for so many things – dog rescue teams that have saved human lives, guide dogs that help the blind, sniffer dogs-the list is endless-we are very poor in showing enough gratitude.

The planet is for all

The human race also has some traits which are very undesirable. Relevantly,  some members suffer from the delusion that the planet is largely for humans and that other species are in some way less deserving of their rightful place on this common planet. Perhaps that’s why they harm other species with impunity and behave callously with them. This selfish thinking must change.

Do your bit for your best friends

We appeal to all of you who have lost pets to accidents, love dogs or animals in general or believe that the planet was meant for all and all animals deserve our respectful co-existence to sign this petition. Please share widely with your friends all over India and the world. Let us create a huge Tsunami of care and concern for our beloved friends.  Be as loyal to dogs as you feel they are to you. Add all your might sincerely to the cause.

Initial Signatories (Sarvodaya Enclave and Noida)

Anjali Mehta

Disha Ramanan

Geeta Patheja

Jagdish

Monica Tyagi

Padmini Kumar

Ruhi Singh