Caution.....Barks and Bites everywhere!🐕

 18/05/2025 

  Yesterday's evening news scrolls were captured by an incident at the Kannur district of Kerala. A stray dog bit 56 people at the vicinity of the Kannur Railway Station. The seriousness of the issue was realised after the stray dog was found dead in the early hours of the evening. Preliminary examination did suggested the possibility of the dog being infected with rabies virus.

     The presence of stray dogs is very rampant in the cities and villages of our country. Every day, a lot of people are falling prey to the bites. As a result, the number of people dying due to Rabies is also rising. Pre-exposure vaccination measures on these dogs are carried out on one side; yet their rising population affects the efficiency of these efforts.

   Animal lovers and activists have vehemently advocated for the rights of stray dogs. Still, it is a undisputed reality that the count of these packs have gone beyond the carrying capacity of our "concrete jungles". Animal activists also need to address the immediate need for a Comprehensive Immunization Programme of the stray dogs.

  Culling has become the widely accepted method for keeping a check on the count of highly populous and rogue wild animals. But is it possible to adopt the same to clip the population of the "rogues of the concrete jungles"? 

 Personally, I feel that culling is not a sustainable approach towards curbing the menace. Steps like sterilization methods have been introduced to reduce the aggressive behaviour of dogs. But, their progress have been very slow, leaving unsatisfactory results.

  I believe that adopting Indian Pariahs (the dominant street dog breed) is the best way to reduce strays. It can minimize the expenses incurred on purchase and grooming of exotic breeds. The Pariahs also show resilience to the tough Indian climate. Scientific and structured Immunization as well as sterilization measures can ensure the safety and sustainability of these breeds.

    Ironically, even the animal activists find pleasure in cuddling soft furs of exotic lap dogs. The Pariah is left to be the cathartic anti-hero of the streets. So, no wonder on them exhorting their 'frustration' through bites.

PS: This article has only addresses the public menace of strays and the irony of the situation. I have not looked into the judicial observations regarding the issue. It requires an altogether different direction of emphasis.