Bitter pet truths vs stray bites

The stray menace is the most volatile subject on everyone's lips. As an animal activist, I am struck by the level of misinformation and half truths circulating in public.

 

A lot of people are animal haters and it is their personal choice. But the situation has surpassed such personal choices. The Government and the people of Kerala must realise the mistake that they have been making for 65 years and instead initiate proven methods of control.

 

Killing has been the only means the State has been trying for ages. WHO studies prove that killing is absolutely ineffective, barbaric and morally reprehensible.

 

Notice the blown-up statistics on numbers of dog bites. Of 100,000 purported street dog bites as per Kochi Government Hospital, 76 per cent are from pet dogs! This sinister misinformation campaign by a section of the people and media is totally unacceptable.

 

And culling!  Which are the dogs being killed? The friendly, weak and docile ones. The ferocious ones, pack leaders and the feral cannot be caught by half-trained dog killers with primitive equipment. By killing these friendly community dogs, Kerala is making space for unfamiliar dogs to migrate and populate areas vacated by killing. Almost zero-threat situation turned into a high-threat situation by killing.

 

We must also realize that dogs in Kerala have turned suspicious of humans and the trust is lost. Hence bites increase. There are incessant killings and abuses. Even children are told to use stones and sticks on even puppies, triggering redirected aggression and self-defence aggression in dogs.

 

One most important issue that needs immediate redress is the stoppage of slaughter waste and domestic waste reaching the road. 

 

An intensive ABC programme like the polio campaign will be necessary. ABC reduces the aggressiveness of dogs and breaks up pack behaviour. Packs are formed only around a fertile female.

 

Neuter, Adopt, Feed is the only permanent solution. Adoption need not mean taking them into our homes. Semi-adoption where the dog is on the street itself but its basic care and vaccination are taken care of.

 

1. A simple bowl of water and some food in front of every house

 

2. If dogs chase speeding bikes or bicycles, slow down, drop a few biscuits (consider these areas as accident-prone zones). Results will be visible soon.

 

3. Friendlier dogs are easy to catch for ABC & vaccination. Results will be visible in 6 months.

 

4. Education & awareness on all of above.