Open House: What steps should be taken to check rising dog bite cases in Amritsar?

The rising population of stray dogs in the region has residents, of both rural and urban localities, worried. The stay dog menace is not just a civic issue anymore, it has become a public health concern. Residents have especially been frightened after a woman in Passan Kadim village near Sultanpur Lodhi lost her life due to dog-bites. In residential areas, one can spot a number of stray dogs in every nook and cranny. A recent study conducted by Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, said that the number of stray dogs in the state ranges between 5.19 lakh to 15.69 lakh. To control the population of stray dogs, various measures can be undertaken by the authorities concerned. They could begin with bringing back vultures, which would help maintain ecological balance as they are scavengers. A decline in the vulture population has led to an increase in the availability of food for stray dogs. Reintroducing vultures would create a shortage of food among strays and help in curbing the increase in population. Along similar lines, effective waste management systems and better segregation, especially in hotels and restaurants, would limit their sources of food. Large-scale sterilisation and vaccination campaigns under the Animal Birth Control (dogs) Rules 2001 by local municipal corporations and NGOs could help in controlling the population of stray dogs. Additionally, the MC must create designated shelters to keep them from wandering and ensure regular monitoring. People who feed stray dogs must also be held accountable. Lastly, campaigns must be held at regular intervals to spread awareness about the procedure one must follow in the case of a dog-bite. People must also be educated about animal rights and responsible co-existence with other species. One should remember that a combination of humane methods, awareness and responsible management can help in controlling the menace of stray dogs.

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Kulwant Singh Phull

Govt, public should work jointly

The terror of the canine-menace, in the state, is on the rise. The fact that a pack of stray dogs mauled two elderly persons to death in a Kapurthala village is disturbing. The instances of such terrifying incidents taking place on the daily has increased manifold. Although, the extent of the problem of strays has assumed a dangerous proportion, joint efforts by the government and public can help tackle the menace. The government must chalk out a plan to translocate stray dogs to designated shelters, away from residential areas. Dog lovers should be allowed to visit these shelters and feed the strays there. The authorities concerned must also launch a sterilisation programme to get all the stray dogs neutered. As for the public, people must stop feeding the stray dogs that live near their houses. Dogs have a peculiar trait of guarding the area that they are fed in. This makes the ‘feeding area’ a zone prone to dog-bite incidents. Therefore, stray dogs should be fed away from residential areas. Municipal corporations should be empowered to make a semi-annual inventory of pets in their area. Those who keep pets must be educated about pet laws. Furthermore, they should be encouraged to get their pets vaccinated. Besides, they must be persuaded to keep their dogs on a leash outside the house. Those who violate pet guidelines must be made to face the wrath of the law. Last, but not least, if all measures fail to produce results the option of culling the killers can be executed. It must be the last resort and used selectively under the guidance of experts.

Rajan Kapoor

Immediate solution need of the hour

In general, dogs are faithful to their masters. The recent incident of a pet dog caressing the bodies of two trekkers in the Himalayas was a good example. While pets are taken care of by their owners, stray animals are left to fend for themselves. They have to roam the streets and other public places to look for food that is thrown away by eateries or in domestic garbage bins. Packs of stray dogs can also be seen flocking to scavenge on dead animal corpses at carcass dumping sites. These dogs, who are always on their guard, can sometimes feel threatened by humans and attack passers-by. The instance at Passan Kadim village where a pack of stray dogs mauled a 32-year-old woman, besides several other cases necessitates an urgent need for action. Currently, due to a ban on culling according to Section 428 and 429 of the IPC, the number of stray cattle and dogs has risen. These animals cause grievous accidents on roads apart from extensive damage to crops and frequent incidents of dog-bites. It is a piquant problem in our area and requires an immediate solution. While a ban on slaughtering of animals is important, the department of Animal Husbandry must ensure that the population of canines remains under control. The local administration should constitute squads to catch stray dogs and take them to designated shelters. Pet owners should be warned against abandoning their pets. It also essential to have protection centres for stray dogs, besides, a mass sterilisation drive to prevent further growth of population. The significance of public safety and security must be accorded due consideration under all circumstances.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Strict laws against feeding stray dogs

The laws framed on animal protection in our country have many loopholes which has led to an increase in the number of dog-bite cases. Stray dogs bite people and even kill them sometimes. The authorities concerned have launched drives to sterilise these dogs in the past, but to not effect. The only solution to the stray dog menace is building a number of kennels across the state where these dogs can be kept permanently. For setting up these kennels the civic body can take assistance from NGO’s. The government also must conduct awareness campaigns to educate the masses about animal behaviour. Stricter laws against feeding stray dogs must be put into force, too.

SANJAY CHAWLA

Try to adopt stray canines

Until the early 1980s, there was a policy to cull out floating adult members from the canine population after every six months. But continued negligence on this front has resulted in the number of stray dogs crossing half a lakh in the ‘tourist city’. The problem was compounded by the enactment of the animal welfare act which, paradoxically, drives a lot many political interests in the country. The policy of sterilising male dogs to control dog population is amusing because the rate at which they are emasculated is lesser than their birth rate. The more practical solution is to adopt these friendly mammals and try to live with them. It doesn’t cost much to keep a dog except a willingness to be kind. The civic body cannot do much in the matter except clearing the streets of the mess they and they are already doing that on a regular basis. Bikers must also learn to drive more cautiously to keep the lives of the strays safe.

Mohan Singh

Construct kennels for stray dogs

The incident of a 32-year-old woman being mauled near a village in Kapurthala was unfortunate. The social organisation — People for Animals — should step in and deal with the increasing population of stray dogs. The stray dog menace is leading to chaos and accidents on the streets. These dogs bark on commuters and sometimes also bite them. Year on, the government allocates funds to authorities concerned so that they may catch stray dogs and put them in shelters, but to no avail. In the belief that stray dogs would protect their homes people feed them outside their houses. When dogs mate and produce a litter they become protective and can often bite passers-by. The government had proposed to sterilise male dogs to curb the stray population but the scheme was not properly implemented. Like gaushalas have been made for cows, kennels should be got constructed to keep stray dogs away from residential areas. The government must also ensure availability of vaccinations in hospitals in case someone is bitten.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Stray dogs should be sterilised

Dogs are generally loyal and friendly animals but a few of them can be dangerous. Recently a 32-year-old was mauled to death by a pack in a village near Kapurthala, proving that untamed animals have the potential of taking human lives. The incidence of dog-bite in our state has risen sharply over the past year. In 2022, there were just 5365 cases reported, however in 2023, the number doubled, reaching nearly 10621. This is a concerning trend and calls for immediate action to ensure safety of both humans and animals. It’s clear that this issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible. Making a dog shelter and large grounds is the first thing that comes to mind but it isn’t that simple. Neutering and spaying are the two surgical procedures that can be done to stop unwanted breeding of dogs. These procedures are necessary to curb population growth. The alternative is to put all the remaining dogs in shelter homes which the government should run. Additionally, helpline numbers like in Chandigarh and veterinarians need to be appointed for the public to report any cases of dog-bite to immediately. By adopting these measures the government can control cases of dog-bites and subsequent deaths within a year.

Lashit Jindal

Conduct seminars to spread awareness

Stray dogs are a big nuisance as they bark loudly and create a mess. The number of stray dogs are increasing by the day. Some dogs chase two-wheelers and also bite commuters randomly. Often this causes accidents and results in injuries. Children and the elderly are afraid of entering park unaccompanied, and even pedestrians are at risk. Stray dogs are semi-domesticated because they recognise those who feed them. Nothing is being done by animal welfare organisations except for sterilisation, but that too, does not serve the purpose. Female dogs should also be sterilised to control the population. There is no permanent solution to stray dog menace except for domesticating them. People who feed strays should either adopt one each or stop feeding them altogether. It is the government’s responsibility to implement laws more strictly. Pet owners should leash their pets while taking them out. Awareness campaigns and seminars should be conducted to deal with the stray dog menace.

SHASHI KIRAN

QUESTION FOR NEXT WEEK

Potholed roads not only make driving a nightmarish experience, but also sometimes lead to serious accidents in various parts of the city. Should officials responsible for poor quality of road works be taken to task? What should the government do to improve the condition of roads?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com  by Thursday (Feb 22)