Frequently, we read about or see stray dogs attacking and biting children and adults, whether in Goa or elsewhere. Just as humans, animals too undergo mood and hormonal changes, get irritated, and may be under stress. Perhaps they express themselves by biting and scratching. Pets are to be annually vaccinated for anti-rabies, Leptospirosis, DHPPi (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza) and de-wormed. There are cases where pets have turned upon their owners, especially banned and ferocious pedigrees which people tend to keep as trophies at home.
In India, it is not compulsory for pet owners to be vaccinated but they may need post-exposure prophylaxis or pre-exposure rabies vaccination and protection against zoonotic diseases. Though these are vital for vets, breeders and animal shelter workers, it would be prudent if pet parents and their families also undertook similar precautions. Maybe cases of pet attacks at home go unreported either due to fear of the law or because of ignorance. The government needs to educate pet owners about the necessity to be safe and the prevailing pet laws that consider the pets’ welfare. But at the same time, the government could introduce laws that will mandate pet parents and families to get vaccinated against fatalities.
