Sudha Murty appeals to Bengaluru citizens: ‘Be kind to street dogs, don’t throw stones at them’

Calling dogs the closest non-human companions to people, Rajya Sabha MP and author Sudha Murty stressed that they require affection more than anything else.

Author and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty has appealed to Bengaluru residents to show compassion towards street dogs, urging citizens to treat them with dignity and care. Speaking at a podcast hosted by the Bengaluru Police, Murty—who has written several books about her pet dog Gopi in seven languages—said that animals are “part of our family” and deserve kindness, not cruelty.

Murty noted that her pet Gopi has become a cultural fixture in Bengaluru, drawing crowds during her appearances. “He has more fan following than me,” she said. “When I go to Delhi, people shout ‘Modi! Modi!’, but in Bengaluru they call, ‘Gopi! Gopi!’ Children send him shawls in winter, and he was even awarded during Mysuru Dasara.”

Gopi also accompanies her to work, she added, describing him as a constant companion.

Murty's message: Love them, feed them, sterilise them

Issuing a clear reminder on animal welfare, Murty urged people to treat dogs—especially strays—with empathy. “Animals, birds, all these are also part of our life. They are also part of our family, not just human beings,” she said.

Calling dogs the closest non-human companions to people, she stressed that they require affection more than anything else. “More than food, they require love. If you give a piece of bread or a handful of rice to a dog, they will give their life for you," the former chairperson of Infosys Foundation said.

Murty addedthat while keeping a dog at home demands time and care—no different from raising a small child—there are many ways to support street dogs without adopting them:

• Do not throw stones at them
• Do not feed them masala or unsuitable leftover food
• Keep some extra rice or bread aside for strays
• Understand that strays roam in rain and cold, often sleeping in gutters
• Work with local authorities to sterilise street dogs and control population

She also encouraged families and children to cultivate compassion for animals. “Children should grow up with a love for animals,” Murty said, adding that citizens who have the time and resources should consider visiting dog shelters and adopting a pet. Adoption, she said, is both an act of care and a way of reducing the number of vulnerable animals on the streets.