Nivetha Pethuraj Faces Backlash For Pro-Stray Dog Remarks: Internet Says ‘Easy For You, You Roam In A Car’

Tamil actor Nivetha Pethuraj has become the centre of a heated online debate after comments she made at a pro-street dog rally in Chennai. The actor attended the event on Sunday, encouraging people to show more compassion towards stray dogs and to focus on practical solutions instead of fear. However, many internet users strongly disagreed with her views, accusing her of being ‘privileged’ and out of touch with the daily experiences of ordinary people.

Speaking to the press after the rally, Nivetha said that while rabies and dog bites are serious issues, people should not create unnecessary fear. She explained, “There is a lot of fear-mongering happening. When a dog bites, don’t make a big deal out of it or spread fear. I’m not saying it’s okay. Rabies is dangerous, but instead of panicking, we should look for solutions.” She added that children must be taught compassion towards animals, emphasising that killing dogs should not be the immediate answer. According to her, awareness, education, vaccination and sterilisation are the real steps that deserve attention.

 

 

 

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While some social media users supported her reasoning, others sharply criticised it. Many argued that Nivetha’s lifestyle shields her from the real dangers people face when walking on streets at night or passing through areas with aggressive strays. Comments such as, “You roam in a luxury car, what about people who walk everywhere?” and “She does not walk on the streets with a garbage bag like the rest of us,” reflected this frustration. Some also pointed out that she spends much of her time in Dubai. Another user compared her love for racing to the everyday struggles faced by common people, saying that while she stays in star hotels and drives race cars, most people walk home from school, work or hospitals. 

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In response to the backlash, Nivetha clarified that the problem lies not with the animals but with the behaviour of ‘irresponsible civilians’ and what she called ‘mob mentality’ around the topic. She said people should avoid generalising all dogs based on isolated incidents. She encouraged the government to support vaccination drives and suggested that funds should go to NGOs working on sterilisation rather than building more shelters. Nivetha also commented that vaccination costs should be handled by the authorities, adding, “That is why we vote. It’s their responsibility.”