A video circulating on social media today shows a man attempting to drag(board) his pet dog onto a speeding train.

The disturbing footage captures the pet owner struggling to board the train while pushing his golden retriever inside, only for the dog to tragically fall onto the tracks.

The video, which circulated on the Instagram page streetdogsofbombay showcases the pet parent’s reckless actions and has drawn widespread condemnation online. Many viewers have voiced their disgust, criticising the owner for his apparent neglect and lack of care for the animal.

Although the page has reported that the dog is currently fine and has been returned to the owner, the incident has sparked a fierce debate.

People have expressed concern over the traumatic experience the dog may have endured and have demanded appropriate action against the owner. One individual even asked, “Would he do this with his child?”

The incident has ignited broader discussions on the treatment of animals and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Many have called for action to hold the owner accountable for such behaviour.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are also responsible pet parents like Divya, known by her Instagram handle Chaosinacoupe, who set a positive example of how to travel with pets. Divya frequently shares posts on how easy and seamless it can be to travel with pets on Indian Railways when one is adequately prepared.

She has also shared key tips for pet owners who wish to travel comfortably with their animals in a train coupe. These include:

  • Choose the train that starts from the station you are boarding from

  • While booking the ticket, always select a coupe as your preferred seat

  • Most importantly, write a letter to the Chief Commercial Officer requesting a coupe, clearly mentioning you are travelling with a pet. Include your PNR number, train number, and attach a photocopy of your ID, train ticket, and the pet's vaccination book. Drop the letter two days before the departure date, ensuring it is not on a weekend.

All of this goes to show how much of a dedicated pet "parent" she is. Not everyone may be, but at the very least, one could show up a little earlier to the station for the bare minimum.