
3 minute read
Surge in stray population and aggressive dogs: Who is to blame?
-Bhavana C
Our planet, Earth, is not just our home but also a shared sanctuary for animals, birds and other organisms. Humans have been selfish, claiming the Earth as our own and leaving little space for other creatures. We have stolen their natural habitats and made it harder for them to find food and shelter.
Unplanned urbanization leads to the loss of shelter, the relocation of animals, and an increase in the stray population. As the economy grows faster, waste production also increases.
The efforts put into waste management go in vain as the production of waste escalates. No matter how many signs advocate people to use waste bins or segregate waste into plastic and food waste, people still do the opposite. All of us must have at least once witnessed someone throwing a plastic bottle onto the railway track when the dustbin is just a few meters away.
In recent years, the issue of increasing stray populations and their aggression has become prevalent. People blame the animals, saying they should be put down but is it really their fault? Absolutely not.
Poor waste management and landfills are among the main reasons for aggression in strays. Indian cities generate more than 1,50,000 metric tonnes of urban solid waste every day, and the stray population has doubled in these cities.
Stray dogs living around urban areas feed on the solid waste we dump, especially in landfills and garbage dumps. Dogs are loyal animals and they develop an affinity for these areas. They become territorial and aggressive about public spaces where they are fed.
Anyone who has had pets knows how gentle these creatures can be, and their aggression is often caused by us humans. To control the stray population, many people have poisoned or killed animals. Poisoning or abusing these animals is illegal and can result in up to five years of jail time. In reality, the solution is simply to show humanity.
Stray animals in and around your location should be taken for sterilization and vaccinations. Promoting spaying and neutering programs can help control the population of stray animals, preventing more from suffering on the streets.
Many stray animals on our streets are starving every day. These are living beings that feel emotions just like we do. Being kind requires no effort, and these animals will show more gratitude than any human ever will. We waste a lot of food daily.
Save some of that food and feed it to stray animals. If you want a pet, adopt one instead of buying from pet shops. Feeding strays can prevent them from scavenging for food in potentially dangerous or unsanitary locations, reducing the risk of injuries and the spread of diseases.
There is no law against feeding and caring for strays. In fact, there are private and government organizations that will help you do so. The Animal Welfare Board of India provides licenses and IDs to people who take care of the stray population in their locality.
This can be useful for anyone who wants to help these poor creatures but are scorned by people in their neighbourhood. Supporting animal shelters and rescue organizations can make a significant difference. It will help them provide better care for animals in need.
Educating others about the importance of treating animals with respect and kindness can also create a more compassionate society. Help a stray animal and be kind. Your actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a better world for all living beings.
*Picture in Header : Cute puppies looking up joyfully (Picture credit: Bhavana C)