It is hard to believe that man’s best friend — owner’s pride; has become man’s worst foe — neighbors’ enemy.
There is fear and anxiety not only among the locals, but also among tourists. The menace of stray dogs has assumed an alarming proportion. It looks that at some places the entire area is a dog-pound. Therefore, it is necessary to find a solution to this danger.
Responsible committees should take effective steps to control the population of these ferocious dogs. Many propose that dogs should be given to animal lovers for adoption; and its population should be controlled by sterilization to prevent procreation, just to decrease their number. But sad to say it appears sterilization program is just not working as strays are multiplying in every nook and corner of Goa. Their situation is very alarming and disturbing.
One fount, of street-smart knowledge said, “Strays are a burden to society; ruining human life by biting pedestrians and sending some to the grave. Streets are designed exclusively for the traffic and pedestrians. They are not approved habits for animals. If illegal kiosks, can be removed to avoid visual pollution, urban congestion and traffic hazards — then dogs roaming the streets and lanes should also have to be removed.
Secondly, the hungry and traumatized stray dogs have become walking, living biological dynamites. Group of stray dogs are very often seen chasing two-wheelers resulting in dis-balancing of vehicles. In a fit of uncontrolled frenzy, dogs run amok on the road and the ruckus created by puppies is enough to cause accidents. But it appears that the national stray dog’s population has received political and social sanctity.
A dog lover was of the opinion that, if a car runs over a child, no one thinks of arresting all the drivers and locking them in prison. Then, why should all dogs be locked in an animal-shelter, just for the sake of one dog that bites a human being? Dog is man’s best friend; who protects us by keeping a watchful eye on strangers and alerting residents, when robbers stealthily move about to survey their target-house to rob for the night.
One fossil of the Portuguese era remembered that the strays in days gone by were killed by dog-shooters. He argues; Man’s protection comes first. Just as nation is justified in killing men during war, similarly, it is reasonable in killing strays attacking man. Are not cries of parents who have lost their children to dog bite sufficient to call Pied Piper of Hamelin as was done to rats? Dogs might soon be to Goa what rats once were to Hamelin.
Some suggest that authorities should act like Orpheus with lyre and not sleep like Rip Van Winkle over the dog-danger problem. Send them to dog pound. To counter this point someone said, “Where is the land available for them?” The apple of another tree argued: “Where there is a will, there is a way. If vehicles are increased in an area there is a way to widen roads on the principle — a little evil for a greater good. Every problem has a solution.”
Animal lovers say don’t kill dogs even if they bite you. They have right to life. But many ask, “Why do we kill poultry animals, pigs, goats etc? Do they not have right to live?
The Animal rights groups are of course doing an admirable job of caring for strays, but there is a limit to the kind of caring that we should extend to these animals.
Local authorities and animal rights group should work together for effective solution to ensure the well-being of both humans and animals. With cooperation and innovative efforts we can hope to resolve the pressing issue.
