Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral
Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty has urged residents of Bengaluru to treat street dogs with compassion, emphasising that animals are an integral part of our families and society.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by the Bengaluru police, Murty said that animals deserve kindness and affection. She highlighted her bond with her pet dog, Gopi, about whom she has written several books. According to Murty, Gopi has become something of a cultural icon in Bengaluru, often drawing crowds during public appearances.
“He has more fan following than I,” she remarked humorously, adding that while people chant political slogans in Delhi, in Bengaluru they call out Gopi’s name.
Murty shared that children send shawls for Gopi during winter and that he was even honoured during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. She described him as a constant companion who accompanies her to work.
Stressing the emotional needs of animals, Murty said, “Animals, birds — all these are also part of our life. They are also part of our family, not just human beings.” She added that for dogs, affection matters even more than food. “More than food, they require love. If you give a piece of bread or a handful of rice to a dog, they will give their life for you,” she said.
While acknowledging that caring for a pet requires time and commitment similar to raising a young child, Murty noted that people can still support street dogs without adopting them. She appealed to citizens not to throw stones at strays or feed them unsuitable leftovers, and instead keep aside simple food such as rice or bread.
Encouraging parents to instil compassion in children, she concluded by saying that children should grow up with love and respect for animals.
