Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Aug 19: Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has ignited debate with his latest comments on the contentious issue of stray dogs, strongly dismissing the idea of relocation as a “feel-good illusion” rather than a real solution.
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Varma argued that shifting stray dogs from one area to another does not address the root of the issue. “Everyone keeps chanting ‘relocate the dogs’ like it’s some kind of magic wand,” he wrote. “But relocation is nothing but a polite word for dumping the problem from one street to another.”
He questioned the practicality of such measures, pointing out the sheer scale of the issue. “Clear one area and within days the vacuum sucks in new dogs—sometimes even worse than before. And where exactly are you planning to send lakhs of stray dogs? At last count, there are nearly seven crore dogs and counting,” he stated.
Ram Gopal Varma didn’t hold back in calling out what he perceives as the hypocrisy of urban dog lovers. “They preach from their air-conditioned homes while cuddling imported breeds on satin cushions, but the poor face the real menace on the streets,” he said. “If they care so much, let them open their guest rooms to the strays.”
He concluded his post with a sharp remark aimed at those demanding action from the authorities without taking personal responsibility: “Don’t preach relocation to the government while keeping your posh spaces stray-dog free and your cute children dog-bite free.”
Varma has been vocal on this issue in the past as well. In an earlier tweet, he criticized the romanticized view of animals often taught in childhood. Quoting the famous poem "All things bright and beautiful...", he noted that it fails to consider the dangers posed by animals like cockroaches, rats, snakes, mosquitoes—and stray dogs that, in his words, “kill children.”
The director’s remarks have further fueled the ongoing clash between animal welfare advocates and citizens concerned about public safety, particularly in urban areas where stray dog attacks have become increasingly common.