Video Of Man Freeing Stray Dogs From Municipal Vehicle Has Divided Internet

An individual who takes action to alleviate animal suffering in any capacity is often considered an animal rights activist. This could be achieved by using extreme measures, such as planning sit-ins or rallies, or by collaborating with the government and local authorities to enact legislation protecting animals. As per the rules laid down by the Animal Welfare Board of India and Prevention of Cruelty (Animal Birth Control) Rules, 2023, civic bodies pick up street dogs to sterilise them. Although after their surgery and recovery, these dogs are usually released in the same region, animal activists have time and again raised objections against such actions.

Walking along a similar vein, a video of a biker setting free a group of dogs from a vehicle registered to the Agra Municipal Corporation in Uttar Pradesh has now gone viral. The incident which was caught on camera and dropped on X (formerly Twitter), has evoked mixed reactions from the internet community.

“The Agra Municipal Corporation vehicle was carrying dogs. The young man riding the bike opened the door. Many dogs ran away. You tell, did the young man do right or wrong?” questioned the user who shared the visual clip. As per the words written behind a panel on the vehicle, it was found that the vehicle belonged to the Agra Nagar Nigam.

The video opens with a man on his bike following the van. Inside it, there was a cage carrying street dogs. Presumably, they were meant to be transported to another area. The man slowly approached the van and pulled down the flap, before opening the cage door. As the gates swung open, the dogs seemed initially doubtful of whether to jump from the moving vehicle. But one by one the animals began leaping from the cage and escaped.

While a certain section of X-users supported the biker calling his actions a “good job” others criticised him. “He must be arrested! Who knows how many have been bitten by them?” claimed one user. “This wrong, he doesn’t even know where they’re taking them to. This is why education and common sense are mandatory. There must be strict action against this person,” agreed another. “Totally wrong. Stray dogs are a big menace to people in the area they cover. The municipality must be taking them to neutralise otherwise dogs can bite people,” slammed a third individual.

What are your thoughts on this?