A woman from Lotoulim was reportedly viciously attacked by a pack of stray dogs while out on her routine morning jog on Benaulim Beach which left her with several dog bites. In another incident which took place recently a senior citizen was chased by a pack of dogs while heading back after his morning run. These alarming incidents have left residents and tourists feeling vulnerable and demanding immediate action from the authorities.
It must be said that litter on the beach attracts stray dogs. Those who go to the beach for their morning jog are susceptible to such attacks. Garbage management plays a pivotal role in making our beaches free from stray dogs. As strange as it may seem, the Department of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, reportedly suggested a controversial approach on Social Media to avoid dog bites.
The post said “If a growling dog gets close to you, pretend to be a tree. Stand still with your hands at your side. Allow the dog to sniff you and it will usually go away,” This advice has sparked criticism from Social Media users. Dogs are unpredictable. What if the dog still decides to attack? What if a person is attacked by a pack of dogs? This advice only goes to show the lack of seriousness of the part of the authorities to tackle the stray dog menace.
