Release sterilised stray
dogs in secluded places
In yet another disturbing incident, as a result of the growing stray dog menace, a 20-month-old toddler was reportedly mauled by a pack of stray dogs at Talem, Durgabhat in Ponda early Friday morning. It must be said that dog attacks are not confined only to little children. Even fully grown adults have become victims of such attacks, especially on the beaches. The only difference is that in children such attacks can end in fatality. The authorities concerned are carrying out vaccination and sterilization programs. However it must be said that vaccination does not make a stray dog less aggressive.
It appears that sterilisation is not having the desired effect as the number of stray dogs is increasing by leaps and bounds. Animal lovers are criticised for feeding stray dogs. However if these dogs are hungry they are most likely to attack humans. In India, there is a ban on killing stray dogs, and municipalities are prohibited from using lethal methods to control their population. In Goa, there is a ban on the sale, breeding and import of ferocious dog breeds such as Pit Bull and Rottweiler. However, even stray dogs can be as dangerous. The only difference is that stray dogs attack only when in packs while high breed dogs attack even when they are alone. It is seen that after sterilisation, the stray dogs are released in the same locality and they come together again to form a pack. Once sterilised, it would be prudent to release these dogs separately in different localities and even in secluded areas instead of releasing them back in the cities and villages.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Keep population of strays under control
Just a few days ago, a toddler was mauled by stray dogs. Imagine the terror the child might have experienced. As per the O Heraldo report, January itself had 1,789 cases that made an average of 57 cases per day. These dogs are a real hazard to people. Some so called dog lovers feed them by the roadside thereby encouraging the canines to come more often for a feed.
These dog lovers are also to be blamed for the increase of stray population. If you care so much for strays, then maybe adopt some or volunteer to sterilise them. In countries like Oman, forget dogs you won't find a single stray cat loitering around in any park. The rules have been strict enough for years now. In our small state of Goa, we can't eliminate them but atleast make a constant effort to limit having strays.
As of now, it is made compulsory by the shelter homes to sterilise pets you adopt to avoid mating with strays. The govt also claims that they have launched many drives for sterilisation and vaccination but then why does the problem persist, that too for years? Should we just assume it was all ineffective? Nothing is impossible, if we try hard enough.
Monaliza D'Costa, Curchorem
Stray dog menace
in Goa is alarming
Yet another victim. Very sadly, this time a little toddler. The factual position is that the stray dogs in Goa are multiplying by the day in every nook and corner. Even city roads and the villages too are infested with stray dogs. Our own Ribandar itself has hundreds of these. This stray dog menace across Goa is alarming with adults and children being attacked as they go about their business. The beaches too are infested with rabid dogs. The situation now is very concerning and disturbing.
Pet animals are an asset to society. It is also true that animals are required to be protected from unnecessary pain and suffering. As love and compassion for animals is growing, there is also a need and necessity to consider the seriousness of the stray dog menace in a very dispassionate manner and not being influenced by any emotional issues.
Over the years’ crores have been spent on the stray dog menace but it has just been getting shoddier. The so-called sterilisation programme has not worked. Sterilisation alone could never be the only solution to this grave and alarming crisis of stray dogs. It is high time that the authorities address this worrisome situation on a war footing, making it a priority to redress this distressing stray dog crisis in Goa.
Aires Rodrigues, London
Gone but not forgotten
Though Shakuntala Devi was universally known for her mathematical genius, and her astrological prowess, her multifaceted personality went unnoticed because of her legendary status in these fields. Like many great persons, she rose from a humble beginning that must have inculcated in her a sense of determination to accept challenges and solve problems.
In her innumerable interactions with people, Shakuntala Devi used to say that believing in oneself was the key to understand mathematics which, she said, was mere numbers.
Though she was criticised by some sections for taking to astrology on a big scale, Shakuntala Devi brushed all cynics by saying "astrology and maths are analogous".
Well, even some twelve years after her death on April 21, 2013, the genius' life will continue to be an inspiration to young mathematicians.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola