Dog breeds and
Indian climate
It is learnt that the government’s decision to ban Rottweiler and Pitbull dog breeds has reportedly received widespread support with experts and animal welfare advocates citing concerns over irresponsible ownership, illegal breeding and public safety breeds.
However it needs to be noted that any dog breed can show aggressive nature depending on the environment and circumstances. However, dogs attacking people on the streets is unacceptable. According to a recent study, dogs are more prone to display aggressive behaviour on hot, polluted days than on cold, rainy days. Hence dog bite incidents increased on hotter days but decreased on cooler days. The effects of climate change extend to dogs as much as to people. Choosing the right canine companion for the diverse climate in India is crucial for a harmonious pet-owner relationship.
Dog breeds which are small and with a helpful outer coat are suitable for Indian conditions. These include Dachshund, Beagle, Indian Spitz, Shih Tzu, Pug, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier. Dogs not suitable for Indian weather are Saint Bernard, Mastiff, Siberian Husky, American Bulldog, Alaskan Malamutes and the like. These breeds are adapted to colder climates and may struggle to cope with the heat. They have thick coats which is meant to keep them warm in their native countries and is the reason they are unable to cope with high temperatures here. These breeds are not suited for a tropical climate and humidity in India. It's essential to consider the climate when choosing a dog breed to ensure their health and well-being.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
No time period to submit
stampede report
On Feb 15, there was a human stampede at the New Delhi railway station that resulted in the death of 18 people. The reason is allegedly a confusion created when there was an announcement of similar sounding names of trains and platform numbers. In a hurry as not to miss the trains, people crowded the footbridge and in the ensuing chaos many fell and were trampled upon. Later the railway minister stated that a ‘holding area’ for passengers would be created at 60 stations that have high footfall, especially during events and festivals.
A manual on crowd-management would be readied and the people will be made aware of the safety measures to be followed at the stations. These are commendable steps but could have been made much earlier by the government of the day since human stampede has happened in the past too.
When asked if the officials have been taken to task, he mentioned that it was a collective failure. And following the principle of natural justice, action may be contemplated only after the inquiry committee gives the report. When questioned about the deadline for the report, he supposedly said that there is no time period fixed because then the members will be under undue pressure.
Any investigative committee, whether one-man or multi-member, does have a submission date for the report. Depending on the subject and mandate, the date could vary from a day or two to a few months.
Therefore, in the present circumstance, the reasons to investigate the cause of the tragedy that occurred at New Delhi station is defeated because the committee must delve to find the reasons and give recommendations to avoid such a situation. A committee that works without a deadline does not make any sense and would appear to be a hogwash.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
US should be more
humane to migrants
The US does have the right to deport illegal migrants from India or any other country of the world. Deporting the illegal migrants from India should have been done in a more humane manner, not the way it was done -- handcuffed and deported in a military plane with no food and water given to them because they are people, not criminals. The US should take a cue from India on how to deal with illegal migrants.
Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai
Tesla-India should
be a role model
In quest for making the coming to India of Tesla to manufacture EVs in to be set up manufacturing facility very soon, it would be most significant that this EV world leader with a total manufacturing capacity of 1.773 million cars globally should become a shining example of US-India co-operation.
Given to understand that Tesla is scouting for a suitable manufacturing site, it would of great significant if Tesla would seek to source power supply for its plant in India from electricity powered by other than coal-fired power in a country in which 78% of the electricity is generated from coal.
Also, the then service stations and charging stations and even Tesla offices to be set up should draw power from other than coal generated electricity so as to make it an ideal facility that is per se zero emission project. Tesla should become the harbinger of reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases in totality in its role. It is also known that Tesla seeks to manufacture budget EVs costing between Rs 20-25 lakh which could become extremely popular in India in this technically most advanced EV manufacturers in the world. The Tesla India plant should become a role model for the world to look up to.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Reach out to
needy with love
In this war stricken world, we all are invited to be Pilgrims of Hope and messengers of Peace and Justice, and help all those who need our care and concern. There are many people who are lonely and have nobody to care for them, The world at its worst need every human person at its best and care for people who are suffering of depression, sadness and loneliness and have developed suicidal tendencies. There is a need to help these people to recover from their sickness. As a Pilgrim of Hope, we need to help and strengthen these people who are weak and need not just our moral support but also our financial support which will help them be true Pilgrim of Hope and thus spread our Grace to all around them. In this Jubilee Year 2025 that focuses on Grace, Hope, Forgiveness and Renewal, we have all to reach out to one another and empower those who are weak and bring them to God for true Renewal.
Cajetan Peter D'Souza, Mumbai