Conceptualizing Cruelty-Hate Crimes against Street Dogs in India

The human-stray dog conflict in India is in the global spotlight because of the exponential rise of cruelty and abuse against the canine population inhabiting streets and public spaces. The motivations for hate crimes against non-pet dogs and anti-canine vigilantism are due to the deepening of animal insensitivity and “show off” syndrome of urban citizens. The state ownership of stray dogs and abandoned foreign breeds could be an efficacious public policy to curb human cruelty against them. The protection laws should include compulsory community service in animal shelters, as it will inculcate compassion and companionship among the neo-community of dog haters.