In recent months there are reports of an increase in population and attacks by stray dogs, not only in Goa (especially along the beaches) but even from other Indian States. There is a blame-game between those who like dogs and those who don’t. The former alleges that stray dogs bite if provoked but who in their right mind will do that? Most people follow the dictum of, “let sleeping dogs lie,” and continue their walk or drive as they would be disinclined to be chased and bitten by a stray. The latter accuses dog-lovers of feeding the strays at odd times and in public places and go away being happy with their day’s good deed. The strays get used to the freebies and wait for the feeders. If s/he does not turn up, then a passer-by becomes meat for the strays.
The courts stated that the strays would be the feeders’ responsibility but this is not feasible for various reasons. The governments with the help of NGOs needs to take proactive measures to control the population of strays and their well-being by regularly rounding them off, keeping them in kennels and putting them up for adoption. This would benefit the strays by not being run-over or maimed by vehicles or pelted with stones by sadists. There could be a study and collaboration with some foreign countries where one would hardly come across stray cats or dogs. Owners can be encouraged and offered incentive to return their pets to animal rescue organisations and penalise them if caught abandoning their pets.
A stray thought and an off-hand observation: post-Covid has the number of strays increased nationally and become aggressive? A study could be carried out to find the causes of and solutions to these aspects.
