Many a time, animals particularly dogs and cats have been the most common victims of road accidents. While there are not many cases reported with the police, the veterinary hospital in Thimphu on average receives over 100 cases every year. According to the hospital and animal welfare groups, the increase in such accidents is a result of poor enforcement of law towards animal cruelty.
Recently, a three-month-old puppy was brought to the National Veterinary Hospital in Thimphu. He was hit by a taxi and the driver allegedly fled the scene. A passerby brought him to the hospital.
This isn’t the only case. On the same day, another dog was brought to the hospital with an injured leg. According to the National Veterinary Hospital, in the last two years, the hospital registered over 300 cases. Pema Tshewang, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer said there could be more.
“If you calculate, it would translate to one motor vehicle accident case every two to three days. That is only the reported cases, the cases that are brought to the hospital. We do not know how many dogs and cats are left on the road to die alone.”
He added that although the numbers are minimal, the hospital also saw reports of other forms of animal cruelty including poisoning and hitting.
Jangsa Animal Shelter in Thimphu looks after sick and injured animals. Today, the animal shelter has nearly 150 dogs of which over 40 reached them after road accidents.
“A driver is penalized or fined up to Nu 1000 for splashing water on people walking by the roadside. But when it comes to animals, even if they are run over or hit by a car they are left to die on the streets,” said Sonam Norzin, Manager of the animal shelter.
Many countries around the world have laws for animal welfare. For instance, in Singapore, drivers are obligated under the law to stop their vehicle if they had caused injury or death to an animal. The driver should also render assistance to the injured animal, as much as reasonably possible within his or her power. Those found guilty of not doing so are liable to a fine of up to S$ 3,000 which is equivalent to over Nu 150,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
The Penal Code of Bhutan also considers it an offence if a person causes serious bodily injury to an animal. Dr Pema Tshewang, the focal for animal welfare says he is hopeful that the amendment of the Livestock Act of Bhutan 2001 will help solve these conflicts in society.
“There were no visible penalties or punishment given to defaulters. So this could be the flaws with the enforcement. And maybe Bhutanese people are by nature, they are quite compassionate. That is why things may not have reached the relevant law enforcement agencies.”
The veterinarian says this needs change.
Only time will tell what kind of laws will come to protect the animals. But it is evident that more lives are at stake until then.
Samten Dolkar
