Stories

Toothless Dog Control??

Dear Animal Lovers,

We at IDA India are shocked and saddened by the insensitive article "Toothless Dog Control" published in the Times of India (dated 21st June - attached). The article is unnecessarily alarmist and strident in tone, and seems to be written with the purpose of once again agitating the public mind against the community dogs who live on our streets, well-known to many in their own localities.

Taking into consideration that Mumbai has a human population of about 18 million people, the number of bites mentioned, if correct, is miniscule. The reporter has stated that the number of dogs in 2008 was 75,000, but neglected to add that a decade ago the number of dogs was close to 2.5 lakhs!! The number of these animals has been greatly reduced because a handful of NGOs have been working tirelessly in Mumbai all these years, carrying out the sterilisation programme, and have managed to carry out this vital community service, against all odds and any amount of hostility.

It would have been nicer if the media could help in spreading awareness of how to co-exist with other living creatures rather than this sort of verbal bashing. Using the word "menace" repeatedly simply creates a fear psychosis in the public mind against these animals, and is completely unwarranted.

Words have been eaten from quotes leaving out large and important statements about the unsatisfactory co-operation of authorities given to the NGO’s.

Contrary to what is suggested, sterilisation has numerous benefits - pups are not born, operated dogs lose their aggression and they do not fight each other, as they lose the mating instinct. India is admired and emulated in some foreign countries for this compassionate method of dog population control. This method has also been endorsed and advocated by the World Health Organisation itself, as the only method that works for dog population control.

As for feeding of community dogs by compassionate people, this serves the purpose of creating a feeling of mutual trust - and will hardly encourage an animal to bite. In fact, this activity has been lauded by no less an authority than the Delhi High Court, which has praised such compassionate people and called them "humanists", who need to be encouraged and assisted rather than abused and persecuted.

This holds good for all those engaged in animal welfare. It is extremely hard work, but all those involved in it are simply carrying out what is described as the duty of every citizen in the Constitution of India itself, namely to be kind and caring towards every living creature in our country and that certainly includes our community dogs.

Continuing our work, inspite of the above sentiments, we are holding an adoption camp for our little ones. Watch out for our next mail with details on the same. And do come over to show us your support.

Team IDA