“If a dog bites you, don’t exaggerate it and create fear.” – Nivetha Pethuraj

A public awareness rally was held in Chennai yesterday to promote the welfare of street dogs and to advocate for their care through sterilisation and vaccination instead of culling them. Tamil and Telugu film actress Nivetha Pethuraj participated in the event and spoke.

She said:“We should not make a big deal out of a dog bite and create fear. Right in front of our eyes, many incidents of cruelty against animals happen, and no one raises their voice against them. It is true that rabies spreading through dog bites is a very serious matter. But instead of using that to spread fear, we should teach people what the actual solution is. Killing street dogs is not the answer. Administering vaccines and sterilisation (ABC – Animal Birth Control) is the only permanent solution.”

Condemning violence against street dogs, she stressed that the problem needs a compassionate and scientifically sound approach. Animal welfare activists and members of the public participated in large numbers in the rally. Nivetha’s speech is being widely shared on social media.