Tackling street dog menace
The recent death of young businessman Parag Desai, caused by street dogs chasing him, has once again drawn the country’s attention to this menace from which no city or town is safe. In spite of widespread criticism of Municipal authorities by the media and the Municipal authorities own efforts, this serious menace is defying solution. In my experience during service in the field as a police officer, the Municipal authorities falter in tackling this menace, sometimes in spite of resources, because catching dogs is an exhausting job, in which both dog and catcher are likely to get injured. Injury to the dog draws the ire of the animal welfare activists. Also, the dogs instinctively realise that they are going to be caught and run away from the scene. Presently the dogs are caught by hooks and wire loops, which is cruel and archaic. The proper and easier way would be to tranquilise the dogs with a dart gun fired from some distance (as is done to treat wild animals) and then sterilize them. This would save on time, injuries to both dogs and catchers and criticism from animal rights’ activists. It would cost more, but given the seriousness of the problem, should have no lack of political will to provide the necessary resources.
A R Pawar
Ex-DGP MP
The views expressed in the forum are exclusively of readers and the ‘Whispers In The Corridors’ does not necessarily agree to it.
A R Pawar
Ex-DGP MP
The views expressed in the forum are exclusively of readers and the ‘Whispers In The Corridors’ does not necessarily agree to it.