Public opinion: Mixed response to recent fatal dog attacks on children
With reports of fatal dog attacks on children recently hogging the limelight, DC spoke to people across the city to take their views on the issue. The reactions, however, were mixed as while some called for getting rid of the strays, others strongly faulted human behaviour for instigating dogs.
“We have always been cautious regarding dog menace in Secunderabad. We keep sterilising dogs, giving them anti-rabies injections and releasing them back in their localities. We are and have always been sensitive about this. There are very rare dog bite cases in Secunderabad. If they are causing harm, we do look into it”Madhukar Naik, SCB CEO
“My colony has only friendly dogs and none of the colony members have any issue with them. I do not justify children being killed by dog bites. But, we, as humans, should also take care of our children and not let them out alone. When we kill and harm dogs, no one wants to talk about that, but it becomes a big issue when dogs do it”Sidharth Ved, businessman, Mudfort
“The number of dogs in our locality just keeps increasing, majorly because they are being fed by a few people. We do not have a problem with that, but the same dogs are harming others. A young girl was bitten on her face; recently, a woman who was just passing by without troubling the dogs was also bitten. This must stop”Mariya Hararwala, CA, Trimulgherry
“Dogs in my locality keep barking the whole night, which is very disturbing. We do not know whom to call or report to for the barking issue. They are calm sometimes for only a few days, and they resort to continuously fighting and barking on the other days”Rahul Dave, student, Bowenpally
“I would not use the word menace for dogs in the first place. If people cannot feed them, at least do not shoo away the dogs. Dogs are constantly being hit, due to which they chase others to protect themselves. They would never harm a person walking by without a reason. Is it their fault for forests being cut and not getting place?”Aanchal Khanna, teacher and dog rescuer
