26-11 victim hounds others

Sheru, the stray dog injured at CST, has become aggressive towards other canines, but is friendly with humansu00a0u00a0u00a0

After spending over six months at the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), Sheru, the stray dog injured in the 26/11 attack at CST, has become hostile towards other dogs. So much so that putting him in a cage with other dogs is next to impossible.

According to Lt Col J C Khanna, secretary, BSPCA, Sheru was kept with other dogs after his treatment, but his behaviour started worrying them. 'He barked at other dogs, fought with them and bit them. Hence, we were forced to keep him in a separate enclosure,' he said.



On November 26, one of the terrorists' bullets hit Sheru, rupturing his muscles and veins. He was brought to the BSPCA by a photographer and has being receiving treatment at the Parel-based veterinary hospital ever since. Though Sheru has recuperated, his aggressive behaviour has become a matter of concern.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

Added Khanna, 'Sheru accha khaasa mota ho gaya. Now, he wants a separate enclosure and can't live with other dogs. He wants a big cage where he has enough space to roam and sleep in any corner he likes.'
At the hospital, most enclosures have at least three to four dogs in them.u00a0

Man's best friend

Sheru's aversion to company, however, is only limited to dogs. He is well behaved with humans. 'He plays with the vets and others who visit the hospital. I fail to understand the reason behind this. He does not like dogs any more, but is friendly with humans,' said Khanna.

Understanding Sheru
According to Rohini Fernandes, a clinical psychologist and a certified practitioner of animal-assisted therapy, there could be different reasons behind Sheru's behaviour.

'After Sheru was injured, he was under the care of humans and must have taken to them. Or, he could just be dominant by nature, which makes him want to overpower other dogs,' she said.

'The other reason could be that Sheru could have been bitten by a dog u00a0when he was a pup, leading to hostility towards other dogs,' she added.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0