Who let the dogs out, and Who let them in
by Nonika Raj Kumar (KT, 9717882227) & Sumati Chowdhary (IT, 9871209023)
Community dogs considered man’s best friend from time immemorial are seen as a menace today. There are complaints of dogs barking, running, and very rarely, biting which makes people object to their presence. Dogs in turn may also have complaints from us – reckless driving: speeding vehicles that kill them or beating and torturing which leaves them distressed, disabled or dead.
Our societies belong to us but the community dogs were here before we moved in and we can’t wish them away. The need of the hour is constructive steps within the framework of the law.
Let’s begin by understanding the voiceless and then voice solutions. Firstly, all dogs need food and shelter. When a dog barks, growls, sniffs, runs, or holds an object in its mouth, sits in a bush or looks forward to being fed, it is normal dog behaviour. Getting paranoid will only lead to disharmony.
When do dogs get aggressive? The aggression stems from a threat, like getting chased, or beaten, or if they are protecting their territory, food and puppies and sometimes when a female of the species is on heat.
Where do community dogs fit in our world? They are wonderful, loyal companions to the security guards alerting them, accompanying them on rounds and sitting near them during the quietest hours of the night. In a porous township like ours, dogs being territorial consider the entire area as their home to live in and to safeguard.
What can residents do? The solution lies in providing for basic needs like food and shelter. Fixing designated feeding spots with the help of the local caregivers and members of SPCA/Animal Welfare Board should be the first step.
Vaccinating and then sterlizing the community dogs effectively controls their population, prevents rabies, and reduces human-dog conflicts. A well-fed and sterilized dog is least likely to be aggressive.
Report an unsterilized dog to Noida Authority’s ABC (Animal Birth Control) unit, animal welfare NGOs, the local municipal body, or any caregiver. The municipality/Authority will do the job for free.
The most important tool in the dog-lover’s arsenal is the Noida Authority’s animal ambulance: a free, accessible ambulance that comes to the site and provides treatment for many common ailments.
Where do street dogs stand in the eyes of the law? Dogs as per the law cannot be relocated from their natural habitat and each pack must be fed separately to avoid conflicts. The line “If you see something wrong, say something” stands true in this case of animal abuse. This heinous crime should be reported as it is considered an early sign that the perpetrator may commit crimes against other human beings in the future.
The facility management can fence off children’s play areas and organize workshops on the dos and don’ts around dogs.
The community dogs can only be managed by community effort. This effort must come from a place of understanding rather than fear or hatred. The aim should be the safety of both humans and dogs. The question is not who let the dogs out or who let them in, it is who will let them live, and who will not. One can only hope & pray that as the most advanced, educated and compassionate species, we will continue to peacefully co-exist.
