Nepal, July 24 -- 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.

Nepal is a nation of animal lovers. From religious stories and festivals to daily life, animals are woven into our emotional and cultural fabric. Yet this rich tradition of respect for other sentient beings has not translated into modern legal protections. The absence of a comprehensive Animal Welfare and ...