Be kind to stray dogs, feed them: Sudha Murty

Bengaluru: Philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty has appealed to the public to show compassion towards animals, especially street dogs, and encouraged people to feed them regularly. As part of a podcast hosted by Bengaluru police, Murty spoke about her Golden Retriever, Gopi, and emphasised the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the belief that the world is one family.
"Not just humans, birds, animals and plants make a family. That is why we term it Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Please remember that among animals, the dog is very close to human beings. Dogs require love more than food. They understand you. When you are angry, they understand; when you are happy, they understand," she pointed out. Narrating an incident involving her pet Gopi, whom she affectionately calls her "grandson", Sudha Murty said, "One day, I was walking on the road, and Gopi, who was coming with someone else on the other side, saw me. Suddenly, he crossed the road and ran towards me. I panicked, thinking a speeding vehicle could hit him. But for Gopi, it was pure love."Highlighting the emotional bond between humans and animals, she said it is beneficial for children to grow up around pets. However, acknowledging that not everyone can keep a dog at home, she urged people to care for strays in their neighbourhoods."When you cook rice, please add one cup in their name; when you make roti or chapati, make one extra for them. Street dogs wander from place to place looking for food. They sleep in drains and open spaces; please have a kind heart towards them," she said.