In yet another disturbing incident, as a result of the growing stray dog menace, a 20-month-old toddler was reportedly mauled by a pack of stray dogs at Talem, Durgabhat in Ponda early Friday morning. This tragic incident once again brings to the fore the debate on the growing stray dog menace being witnessed in the state. The question that arises is: who is to be blamed for the crisis? Is it the NGOs, civic bodies, government departments, parents, or the general public?
It must be said that dog attacks are not confined only to little children. Even fully grown adults have become victims of such attacks, especially on the beaches. The only difference is that, in children, such attacks can end in fatality. The authorities concerned are carrying out vaccination and sterilisation programmes. However, it must be said that vaccination does not make a stray dog less aggressive. It appears that sterilisation is not having the desired effect, as the number of stray dogs is increasing by leaps and bounds.
In what seems like a catch-22 situation, there are so-called animal lovers who feed these packs of dogs. However, if the dogs are hungry, they are most likely to attack humans. In India, there is a ban on killing stray dogs, and municipalities are prohibited from using lethal methods to control their population. The Supreme Court has emphasised the importance of humane management, including sterilisation and vaccination programmes. In Goa, there is a ban on the sale, breeding, and import of ferocious dog breeds such as Pit Bull and Rottweiler. However, it must be said that even stray dogs can be as dangerous. The only difference is that stray dogs attack only when in packs, while high-breed dogs attack even when they are alone.
It is seen that once sterilised, the stray dogs are released in the same locality, and they come together again to form a pack. Once sterilised, it would be prudent to release these dogs separately in different localities and even in secluded areas instead of releasing them back in cities and villages.
