ANIMALS MUST BE TREATED BETTER

Sensitising school and college students about how to care for pets and recognising their physical, emotional and medical needs is essential (Pet peeves of housing societies, April 27). Spreading awareness about the need to counsel disturbed pets, banning puppy mills and punishing unethical breeders is as important as encouraging adoption of strays. Mythical stories and fairy tales have projected reptiles and animals negatively for a long time. Attitudes towards animals must change and they should be treated well owing to their position in the nature’s cycle. not being cleared fast, leaving a stinking, unhygienic atmosphere around them (Only 7% of desilting work in stormwater drains done, April 27). Already many roads have been dug up and the silt now adds to the woes of motorists and pedestrians. After the cleaning operation, many manhole covers have been found missing or broken making the footpaths dangerous for pedestrians. Also, why does the civic body have this ritual to overlook the deadline which more often clashes with the onset of monsoon? Why not carry out the cleaning of SWDS on a quarterly basis? service (BEST wants feedback on new colours, April 27). This would not impress commuters who are irritated with their delayed services and over-crowded buses. It’s high time that BEST stops these stunts and concentrates on improvising the services to facilitate smoother and more comfortable commute for people.