DOGS & DOGS: FROM PETS TO STREET ONES

Dogs have long been a part of human society, fulfilling diverse roles ranging from beloved pets to wild companions. This article explores the spectrum of dog categories, their roles, and the pressing need for public safety and welfare initiatives.

Pets and Specialized Breeds
Dogs as pets often include pedigree and show breeds, carefully selected for public competitions, obedience training, or specific purposes like detection work. These animals are cherished, groomed, and trained to excel in their roles, offering both companionship and service.
Wild and Feral Dogs
On the other end of the spectrum are wild species like dingoes and dholes, whose names vary based on geographic regions. Feral dogs, often referred to as street dogs, stray dogs, or village dogs, live free-ranging lives. They are not confined to homes or yards and have become both a friend and challenge to human societies. These dogs rely on their fur and resilience to endure harsh weather, surviving without consistent shelter (“Makkan”) but often finding abundant food (“Roti”) in urban trash.

Human Compassion and Welfare Efforts
Thankfully, caring individuals and organizations, including NGOs, municipal corporations, and compassionate citizens, work tirelessly to improve the lives of feral dogs. People from diverse backgrounds, including film celebrities and political leaders, contribute to feeding and relieving the distress of these canines.

Public Safety Concerns
However, this article emphasizes the critical need for public safety measures concerning street dogs. The risks of dog bites, rabies, and related fatalities highlight the necessity of well-coordinated initiatives. Key players include NGOs, municipal corporations, government veterinarians, and organizations like PETA and SPCA, which share responsibilities to address these challenges.
Importance of Animal Birth Control (ABC)
One crucial intervention is the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program for dogs. Dogs can breed twice a year, and a single female dog can produce up to 67,000 offspring in six years, according to veterinary experts. Controlling this exponential growth is essential for maintaining public safety and ensuring the welfare of the dogs themselves.

Changing Trends and Challenges
In earlier decades, the number of street dogs in India was relatively low, partly due to less abundant food sources. Overflowing dustbins in modern cities provide unlimited fodder, encouraging the proliferation of feral dogs. Interestingly, in some Western countries, trash bins in forest guesthouses have numerical locks to prevent wild animals from accessing harmful food, showcasing a potential model for urban waste management.

A Call for Collaboration
To address the issues effectively, NGOs, municipal corporations, and the public must work in tandem. Sharing funds and responsibilities is vital for the common good of society. A well-structured approach can ensure a balance between compassion for animals and the safety of the community.

THE PRIORITIES SHOULD FOCUS ON ENSURING HUMAN SAFETY, IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE BIRTH CONTROL MEASURES FOR STREET DOGS (AS CULLING AND KILLING ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE PRACTICES), AND ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF OVERFLOWING GARBAGE BY ENSURING MORE FREQUENT CLEARANCE TO PREVENT DOGS FROM CREATING A MESS. ADDITIONALLY, PET LOVERS MUST UNDERSTAND THE VULNERABILITY OF THOSE AFFECTED BY THE GROWING MENACE OF STRAY AND UNCONTROLLED DOGS. more