Attitudes to Stray Dogs have evolved

 Attitudes to Stray Dogs have evolved.

We read today a lot about the rights of stray dogs. Street dogs if you will. They can only be vaccinated and sterilised but cannot be displaced from their locality or chased out. FiRs are registered against those people (human beings) who inflict any cruelty upon them, even if for some it’s a response to harassment or a bite to a loved one. The judges have thrown their weight behind animal rights, specially at the Supreme Court, but it’s led to a lot of conflicts within localities as residents find themselves on opposite camps. There are those who are indifferent, then those who were indifferent until attacked or harassed, then those fed up of the noise and littering caused by strays, then those who adopt a few strays and lastly the activists. It’s a tough call for each category after each episode by a stray dog. The littering caused by the packs of street dogs is another concern.. This is as it is the last decade or more so but it was not always like this.

I know many Municipal Corporations and Councils had dog catchers and they simply eliminated them , even though some of the means and methods used were certainly questionable, but even in the 1980s this practice was there.

The Army in those years, say 1970s to 1980s had a squad headed by a 2nd/Lt or Lieutenant, a JCO, two jawans to hold the red flags and a shooter. Their goal or objective was shooting down of stray dogs. It was a normal practice. The squad was constituted by a formal order.

This was attitudes then and the present we know. Society changes in its attitude and appraisal of a certain event or way of life or culture. And the judiciary also evolves, at times setting the pace of change.

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And meanwhile we quarrel over stray dogs

as the President of the Residents Welfare Association I had to clarify for peace.

Good Evening

The Stray Dig Issue

Let us assess this way.

First

We have only one place now where stray dogs are a major concern. They do harass and trouble. This is a fact. I have seen it myself.

Second

The law does advise we cannot relocate them or use any hard measures. This is the way it is.

Third

We have debated this earlier. And as always the fact is we land up without any acceptance of any suggestion.

Fourth

That they are neutered is a fact. Accepted. But the bite is still a bite too. And so is the aggression shown at times.

Fifth

The littering of the road by food waste being taken there by stray dogs has been commented upon by fellow residents a lot. Earlier

Seventh.

We have to also understand as educated aware residents the need to balance the rights of stray dogs with the need and security of human beings of all ages.

Eight

The laws are evolving as public opinion evolves and policy makers study varied options. One clause which may get actualised is that the RWA Office Bearers in consultation with the Officials of the MC may identify spots and locations to feed stray dogs.

Ninth

We did suggest earlier a place next to the Smart Cycle Stand along the GNP School Wall. This was emphasised repeatedly. It would be away from the normal day to day activities of residents.,

Two other locations suggested were also disputed and not accepted - along the Garden Waste Enclosure or just behind the tavern.

Ten

Can we start with the feeding spot near the Cycle Stand area. And also refrain from feeding stray dogs anywhere else. Meanwhile we will apprise the MCC about our concerns, so that they are aware. And we can meet on this issue but we have to adhere to the laws. But let us have a healthy amicable solution as suggested.

This is our duly assessed position please.

ge. Does the reverse happen, only time will tell. But maybe a more balanced and nuanced view and law will emerge so as to address all viewpoints judiciously.