Dogs give unconditional love. They protect their owners with fierce loyalty. We too need to protect them. However, we must take necessary steps to ensure they do not harm us or others. Recently a child was mauled to death and a businessman lost his life trying to ward off an attack by strays. We have many dog lovers, but the problem is that they feed strays in isolation. On the issue of feeding strays there must be some give and take. Society dog ( those that live in a housing societies) need to be fed by society members in a far corner of the society. However, feeders must take the responsibility of vaccinating and sterilizing the dogs. Stray dogs too need to be fed. I suggest that dog lovers form 'mohalla committees of dog lovers'. They should identify locations were strays may be fed. They should generate funds from members and well-wishers for vaccinating and sterilizing strays in their areas. The municipal authorities must subsidize these programmes. Dog lovers are the best persons to undertake this task without cruelty entailed in catching strays.
