@suzanagartner
As the seasons shift and the dog days of summer fade into fall, I find myself reflecting on the unconditional love animals give us and on the responsibility we carry for them; especially the countless stray dogs around the world living without homes, protection, or a voice.
As an animal advocate, I’ve spent years speaking up for animals, sharing joyful moments with my own rescue dogs, and witnessing the heartbreak of those who have been abandoned or mistreated. This past summer, I volunteered alongside my son, Brad, at an animal sanctuary. We bonded with incredible dogs — new friends like Jimmy and Margaret, two Pomeranians left in a box outside a shelter, and old friends like Winter, a gentle, white Great Pyrenees rescued from a farm after her human family passed away. Winter lives peacefully at the sanctuary and is even featured on the back cover of my book A Voice for Animals. Seeing her again filled my heart.
These personal experiences, both joyful and sobering, reaffirm my commitment to this work. And now, a powerful legal development has reignited my hope for the future of animal rights.
In a ground breaking ruling, the Supreme Court of India declared that stray dogs have a constitutional right to food and life. This is a significant moment in international animal rights. For the first time, a major nation has affirmed that compassion and coexistence with animals are not just moral ideals; they are legal responsibilities. Feeding stray dogs, long considered a nuisance or even a punishable act in some places is now a protected right and civic duty.
This decision offers a lifeline to millions of street dogs in India, recognizing their right to safety, sustenance, and survival. It affirms their sentience and intrinsic value, and it validates the tireless work of advocates, rescue workers, and even everyday people who support homeless animals. India, with an enormous stray dog population, has chosen a path of compassion, and protection. It signals what’s possible when a society recognizes our duty and relationship with animals.
Many of us share our lives with beloved animals. My dogs like Oakley, who’s curled up beside me as I write, and Freddie, whose birthday we’ll soon celebrate are cherished members of our family. They bring joy, companionship, and comfort. At the same time, there are countless “other” dogs: those still in shelters, living on the streets, or in abused situations. We cannot turn our backs on them. This ruling reminds us that their lives deserve legal recognition, protection, and dignity not only on emotional grounds, but now legal affirmation that is enshrined.
It’s our duty to educate, how we choose to coexist with animals that paves the path for a better future. This ruling isn’t just a win in court but rather it’s a call to look more deeply at every life. Let this moment serve as a turning point. By supporting local shelters, speaking up for voiceless animals, encouraging humane policies, and raising compassionate children, we each play a role in building a kinder, more just world for animals. A compassionate world is possible, and this decision is meaningful to show that an animal’s life is valued, and can be legally protected. Let’s celebrate this monumental shift that recognizes both the dogs we hold close and cherish in our lives, but also those waiting to be sheltered, seen, and loved.