Fast shrinking wild life habitats due to expanding human activities is the prime cause of animal–human conflict. Courts, PETA and AWBI provide judgments without fully considering the practical difficulties humans face. As a result the system fails to provide amicable solutions for peaceful coexistence. Missing futuristic planning combined by ineffective execution of government policies by the administrative bodies becomes unarguably responsible for the everyday rising conflict.
However, the immediate conflict these days is with the canines. The land on which rapid urbanisation has happened, originally was their part of habitat. Even during construction phases of residential societies, the canines continue living there. We humans manage to mark and safeguard /protect our territories; but how a mute animal to tell the humans that we have encroached their territory? We being more intelligent species, it becomes important that we find solutions that these animals can coexist peacefully with us humans. The dogs threaten humans, we threaten the dogs.
We need immediate as well as long-term solutions. For long term, sterilization and controlling the population is a way out. Also, wherever there is new construction happening divide the territory for both in the beginning – inside a society for humans and outside society for canines. Developers need to assure the same. Create proper health care for community animals through more government animal hospitals (at least 3 to 4 in each district) and more veterinarian clinics.
For short-term solution, make feeding points away from densely populated areas. Rehabilitate aggressive dogs to shelters (as per AWBI guidelines) and medically treat them, accordingly. Also the stray dogs should be adopted by animal lover and made accountable along with the administration for their well being, viz., vaccination, feeding times and health of the dog. Pets need to be leashed in public places and muzzle them if needed. Use of common sense for taking such calls will be appreciated. Showing arrogance would lead to further endless conflicts.
The entire community, be it dog lovers or common people, want a solution for peaceful coexistence. No humans hate animals till the time their own existence comes under threat. Both are under threat, the animals and the humans. And it is our responsibility to find solutions for both.
