A nation of gods deserves a law to match

We who honour dogs with garlands once a year should also protect them every day.

Walking through the streets of Kathmandu, I am often met by the curious eyes of street dogs, some limping, some dozing peacefully, others wagging their tails, and some barking at me. To many of us, they are not strays but neighbours next door. We feed these ‘community’ animals, care for them, and even give them names. And yet, when it comes to their rights and protection, our legal system offers little, rather a void.