How Suncity RWA & Residents Are Making
Efforts To Sterilise and Control Stray Population
There has always been a propelling debate between dog lovers and people who fear dogs regarding the stray dog situation prevailing in Gurugram. A solution to this ongoing debate has been provided by the Government in the form of the Animal Birth Control Programme (ABC).
This scheme was introduced to replace the inhumane shootout drives conducted 10-15 years ago in which stray dogs who showed any form of aggressiveness were subject to an unfortunate fate. However, this programme has fallen short in terms of its implementation. There remains a significant number of dogs that are yet to receive proper immunization and sterilization under the program.
Suncity too has implemented the ABC programme. With the collaboration of the RWA and the volunteers, 98% of the dogs in Suncity have already been sterilised. A successful drive conducted by Kusum Sharma has resulted in sterilising 150 dogs of Suncity. The dog lovers of Suncity have taken on the responsibility of identifying the dogs in need of vaccination. They have pooled in their resources numerous times to pay for the medical treatment of injured and unwell dogs.
While there have been instances of dogs attacking the residents, relocation of such dogs is legally restricted. The only legal solution is to get them immunised and sterilised. Dog lovers, who are often blamed for the misbehaviour of dogs, instead play a pivotal role in the maintenance of dog composure. Through regular feeding of the dogs in their respective territories, and access to water and medication, there has been a drastic control on aggressive behaviour in dogs. They also have to be given food in their respective territories marked by themselves to minimise dog fights. The rehabilitation centres are not an option as none of them provide free services. Dogs who often show aggressive behaviour are treated with medication and training.
It is important to note that most of the time, dogs do not attack without any provocation. If they perceive anyone or anything as a threat, they react out of fear which triggers their defence mechanism. Fast driving within the society and carrying sticks when going out for walks are often perceived as threats by dogs. The dog lovers of Suncity have also volunteered to help the residents who fear dogs get familiarised with them.
The residents must understand that the RWA and the volunteers are doing their best within their legal capacity to curb problems that are caused by the street dogs of Suncity. It is essential to understand these aspects for peaceful coexistence.
