Stray Dogs
Resolving the issue of stray dogs in Bangalore has become highly contentious after the tragic attack that resulted in the death of a four-year-old and the subsequent culling of stray dogs which some have called inhumane.
Below is a three-step plan of action for discussion:
- All stray dogs to be collected by the municipality and the small proportion of rabid dogs culled.
- All healthy stray dogs to be put up for adoption by the municipality. The public – individual or community - is invited to adopt these dogs. Animal activist groups partner with the municipality to effectively spread an appeal for adoption. These dogs must have a license, a collar and be taken off the streets.
- Animal activist groups should take responsibility for those dogs that are not adopted within a specified period of time – say three months.
This entire time-bound program is conducted in a transparent manner by a Steering Group comprising of both government and respected community leaders / subject matter experts.
In our opinion, we need to take the “STRAY” out of stray dogs. Dogs out on the street without any ownership should not be an option.