Hyderabad: Strays barge into house, steal fowl

Hyderabad: With the authorities failing to curb the growing population of stray dogs, the canines pose a serious threat to people especially children in the city as the weather grows hotter.

The residents in most areas are unable to move out especially in the morning and at night as they are confronted by a number of dogs that move in packs.

Mr Songali Jagan, a resident of Asifnagar, said dogs could be seen in groups around the garbage dumps in the residential areas. When a motorist enters the lane, they chase the rider.

Mr Jagan said mostly children become victims of dog bites. “Our children are unable to play in the streets due to stray dogs,” he told Deccan Chronicle.

Residents of Nampally, Red Hills and Subhan-pura claimed that stray dogs were hampering the movement of people. They complained that the stray dogs barge into their houses.

Mr Shaik Riyaz of Bazaar Ghat said a group of stray dogs had entered his house and pounced on a a rooster that he was rearing, which was rescued a passerby. He feared that the number of dog bites would increase manifold.

Mr Imran Ahmed Khan of Marredpally said the GHMC had failed to curb the growth in numbers and spread of stray dogs, as the authorities were stymied by advocates of animal rights. He said there is a need to restart the animal birth control programme and sterilise the strays.

According to the sources, the sterilisation of each dog costs more than Rs 1,000. The GHMC has fewer than 30 veterinary doctors. Officials said they acted only they received a complaint.