Let’s find a way to co-exist with stray animals

A resident being attacked by a stray dog. Pic/Satej Shinde

Residents of a complex in Thane have been forced to carry lathis within the complex for self-defence due to recent stray dog attacks. More than a dozen have reportedly been bitten, including a security guard. Concerned residents have stopped sending their children and senior citizens outside unaccompanied due to this, a report said in this paper. They have complained to so many authorities but have yet to receive a response.

Residents have several CCTV clips showing stray dogs attacking residents. Going to the stores, stepping out for essentials like milk, are now getting increasingly fraught as residents of the 4,000 plus people complex are getting attacked. Some dog feeders within the complex insist that these are outside dogs and not those they feed. The municipal authorities need to respond once they investigate this complaint. They cannot wait for days to take action as this would mean that residents may suffer more bites.

When we have a stray dog menace, quick and concerted action whether sterilisation, vaccination or relocating them is the answer. That aspect can be tackled by experts. The point is that locals cannot be terrified or restrained because of stray dogs. Some of the injuries like bites or a twisted knee that one person suffered sound serious.

Maybe an animal welfare organization can step in to resolve this issue with due consideration for people, too. They can team up with municipal authorities if allowed and take on and find a solution to this once and for all.

There are people who have to go out for their daily work. They cannot be wracked with fear or constantly looking over their shoulder warily for the canines. This is stressful living and this state impacts all other areas of life too. The danger needs to be removed.