Recently, the Congress party's manifesto pledged to address the issue of stray dogs across the country. The party added that its policy will prioritize human safety, especially children.
Amala Akkineni, co-founder of Blue Cross Hyderabad, has opposed the proposal. In an article she wrote for Times Of India, the wife of Akkineni Nagarjuna wrote that removing strays from their territories is dangerous. "A vacuum will be created once they are removed. This vacuum will be filled by feral counterparts... Safe, isolated feeding areas help minimise conflict with humans and help facilitate animal birth control," she wrote.
Netizens have described Amala's views as elitist and inadequate. "Stray dogs will stop being a threat once they are all culled like all civilised countries do. These celebrity animal lovers can keep their views to themselves. What does Amala Akkineni who hasn't stepped out on the street in decades know about stray animals?" wrote Arun V, a Netizen.
Amala opined in the country that dogs can be our valued protectors. Arguing with her, a Netizen wrote, "True. In that case, won't they be a more valued protector if you raise them in your homes? Why let your protectors roam around on roads in hostile heat, rain and cold? Show some humanity towards protectors. Shouldn't we?"
