RSS Chief Urges Broader Role for Veterinarians, Calls for National Council
He framed stray-dog policy as a coexistence challenge requiring expert guidance after November’s Supreme Court directive.
Overview
- Mohan Bhagwat said veterinary professionals are vital to India’s economic growth and urged them to think beyond conventional clinical duties.
- He emphasized a One Health approach that links human, animal and environmental wellbeing, calling for harmony between people, animals and nature.
- Referencing the Supreme Court’s order to relocate sterilised and vaccinated strays to shelters after a rise in dog-bite cases, he noted sharply divided public reactions.
- He suggested exploring alternative, expert-led strategies for managing strays rather than embracing extreme positions.
- Bhagwat delivered the remarks at a Nagpur symposium on canines and One Health organized by the Indian Society for Advancement of Canine Practice and Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University.