The Republican Party of India (A) led by Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra, Ramdas Athawale, has come out against the recent Kerala government order to cull dogs in that State.
Singer and actor Salma Agha, who is chairperson of the RPI’s film and television union, told a press conference: “We no longer live in the age where this kind of cruelty against dogs would be tolerated. At a time when all over the world there is growing sensitivity against cruelty to animals, this action by the Kerala government tarnishes India’s image. There are better ways to help tourism.”
Also present at the event was Salma Agha’s daughter and actor Sasha Agha who raised questions about Kerala’s sterilisation programme.
“We know that sterilisation works. It has worked in Jaipur and it works in Mumbai. And it does not cost much. If the population of stray dogs has grown in Kerala, then this means that they haven’t been sterilising dogs as they should be doing.”
RPI’s Maharashtra co-ordinator Vivek Pandit said, “We have written to the Kerala Governor. If need be, we will also approach the Supreme Court. We also plan to meet the PM and the Home Minister.”
