MANMOHAN DHAR
Stray dogs are a common sight in many urban and rural areas, raising concerns about public safety, hygiene, and animal welfare. While dogs are often considered loyal companions, large populations of unvaccinated and unmonitored strays can pose significant risks to residents. These risks include the spread of diseases like rabies, aggressive behavior, and accidents caused by packs of dogs chasing vehicles or pedestrians. Addressing this issue requires a balanced approach that considers both public safety and animal welfare, with municipalities playing a crucial role in implementing effective solutions.
Stray dogs, especially in large numbers, can become territorial and aggressive, leading to dog bites and attacks. Children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to such incidents. In some cases, packs of stray dogs may chase people or vehicles, leading to accidents and injuries.
Stray dogs often lack proper vaccination and veterinary care, making them carriers of diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and parasitic infections. Rabies, in particular, is a fatal disease that can spread to humans through dog bites, posing a serious public health threat.
Barking and howling at night can cause significant noise pollution, disturbing residents’ sleep and leading to increased stress levels. This is especially problematic in high-density residential areas where multiple stray dogs may gather.
Stray dogs often scavenge garbage in search of food, scattering waste across streets and residential areas. This not only creates unhygienic conditions but also attracts other pests such as rats and insects, further contributing to health hazards.
Municipal authorities have a legal and moral responsibility to manage stray dog populations effectively while ensuring humane treatment of animals. Their role includes:
One of the most effective ways to control the stray dog population is through the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. Municipalities should implement widespread sterilization and vaccination drives to prevent uncontrolled breeding and reduce the spread of rabies.
Setting up animal shelters can help house stray dogs that are sick, injured, or aggressive. Encouraging adoption programs and collaborating with animal welfare organizations can also help provide homes for stray dogs, reducing their numbers on the streets.
Educating residents about responsible pet ownership, the importance of sterilization, and how to deal with stray dogs safely can reduce conflicts between humans and animals. Municipalities can also promote community participation in feeding and caring for strays in a controlled manner.
Proper garbage disposal and management can prevent stray dogs from scavenging in residential areas. Municipal bodies should ensure regular waste collection, provide covered garbage bins, and enforce regulations against littering.
Municipalities should establish helplines or online portals where residents can report stray dog-related issues. Dedicated dog-catching teams trained in humane handling should be deployed to capture aggressive or sick dogs and relocate them to shelters or treatment centers.
Stray dogs are an integral part of urban life, but their unchecked population can lead to serious residential hazards. A well-planned municipal strategy, incorporating sterilization, vaccination, sheltering, and public awareness, is essential to ensure a safe and harmonious coexistence between humans and stray animals. By adopting a humane and structured approach, municipalities can mitigate risks while ensuring the well-being of both residents and stray dogs.
Last but not the least, authorities need to take positives from other countries where they follow a very well planned and effective approach towards stray dogs’ management, safety and care for the larger interests of their populations.
Not only in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, stray dog nuisance is a big point of concern for the municipalities in the entire country. So, it is their prime duty to head towards a better management of the problem.
