I reside in a ‘Cooperative Housing Society’ and though the cooperation among humans is questionable, the non-cooperation towards Animals is what brings many together.
Our building shares it’s walls with the green TISS compound that houses many a community cat. Who at times, jump to our side and harmlessly move around.
My parents and me, UNFORTUNATELY, happen to feel for animals ( a curse in today’s world), and we feed those cats and a few dogs, OUTSIDE the society, in a small space Allotted, meaning no harm or inconvenience to anyone.
YET, we have been subject to WhatsApp complaints, intercom calls, because just for once maybe, in the heavy rains, a Cat Gave Birth. At a Far Corner of the staircase or parking.
I have written about this countless times, Residents leaving Garbage Bins Outside and blaming animals for toppling. I had raised my voice when the sweeper attacked our community cat, threatened police action.
So they did the Unthinkable. In the dark of the night, when the Mother Cat hunts, they would pack the Kittens (who haven’t yet opened their eyes) and dispose them.
I have wept often to the Pitiful Meows of the Mother Cat, Looking for her kittens. It sounds terrible, Trust Me. And I Shudder at the Thought of a Day Old Kittens, Feeding on their Mother, Succumbing to Hunger and Thirst.
Since then, Parents and me have got about 7 stray cats neutered. Have To Say, there are some good Samaritans too, who have picked and dropped these cats from my home to the vet.
Still, just a week back, the Lady of a self proclaimed Rich Family stood below our balcony, and shouted.
‘ITNA PASAND HAI TOH GHAR PE RAKHO.’
Let me answer every dumbwit who says this.
You feed cows in the temple, and perhaps some old people sitting outside. You pluck mangoes from a tree outside your flat.
DO YOU BRING THEM ALL HOME?
Stray animals are a Part of the Society. Community. Nature. They Aren’t Here By Choice. They are Here, Just Like You Are.
If they are a BHOJ on Earth , So Are You.
So Nobody Ever Dare To Tell Me, Ghar Pe Rakho.
Mikey, Badal, Maniki, my own rescues…
Their stories bring Chills Down Your Spines.
They Were Attacked/ Killed Mercilessly.
For Money, For Ego, Can’t Fathom.
BUT THE PERPETRATORS HAD FUN.
ENJOYED THE KILLING. THE BLOODSHED.
So let me ask all those who are in Support of Stray Culling or Displacement.
Today They Revelled in the Slaughter of an Innocent Animal.
Tomorrow, Couldn’t They Relish the Murder of a Street Kid, Old Handicapped Persons on Road?
Or Worse Still…
YOUR OWN CHILD OR PARENT.
Think About It.
