India, Jan. 12 -- In the last few days, the Supreme Court's hearings on stray dogs have done more than revive a long-running debate on public safety--they have revealed an uncomfortable truth about whose safety is taken seriously. As arguments centred on dog bites, removal orders and urban inconvenience, a far more urgent concern was placed before the Court and quietly set aside: The growing harassment, assault and intimidation of women who care for community animals.

For women like me, who run animal shelters and spend our days and nights rescuing, feeding and treating community dogs, this debate is not theoretical. It is deeply personal. It is the fear of being followed home, threatened on the street, filmed without consent, abused onl...