Srinagar, Nov 24: Two separate laws in vogue in Kashmir, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Municipal Corporation Act 2000 regarding Regulation of Animal Birth (Dogs), throw up a disturbing fact about rights of humans and dogs in the conflict zone.
Ironically, in conflict-ridden Kashmir the right of a dog to life is safeguarded legally more than a human being.
For example, according to the AFSPA, any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer or any other person of equivalent rank in the armed forces to maintain public order can fire upon and use force, even to the causing of death, against any person who is acting in contravention of any law, including prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons.
On the contrary, the Municipal Act regarding Regulation of Animal Birth prohibits any of the Corporations employee or officer from killing a dog, even if it is wreaking havoc against civilian population, unless a high-power committee sanctions its death after a thorough probe. The committee of the Municipal Corporation to decide upon the fate of an ‘outlaw’ dog in Kashmir comprises its Commissioner, Health Officer, a representative of the Animal Welfare Department, Municipal Veterinary Doctor, a representative of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and representatives from the J&K Public Health Department.
It is this high powered committee that can decide on catching, transportation, sheltering, sterilization and vaccination of dogs.