Stray dog attacks in India
India has the highest number of attacks by stray dogs in the world.[1] In Indian cities, stray dog attacks are considered a danger to children and old people.[2] India has 36% of all rabies deaths in the world.[3] India also has the largest number of stray dogs in the world, along with the highest cases of rabies deaths. Most rabies deaths are unreported. In compliance with Animal Birth Control rules, 2001, stray dogs may not be killed, only sterilized. Municipalities lack the money to sterilize stray dogs. Most Indians believe that stray dog attacks are common in their area and that the municipality does not take the necessary steps to reduce dog bites. Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra has the highest number of stray dogs. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal has the highest number of dog bites.[4] A law created in 2001 to save stray dogs has resulted in an increase in stray dogs, as the law prevents the killing of any stray dog.[5] Small babies are mauled to death by stray dogs in India.[6] The Bihar government found that stray dog bites are the third largest cause of disease in the state.[7]
Stray dogs may be rabid, hurt, hungry, traumatised or anxious, or protecting their puppies. In such cases, the canines may attack if provoked or feel a threat.
The stray dog attacks has been a result of a host of factors including negligence of the government and animal welfare organisations, and individual apathy.[8]
Attacks on wildlife, livestock and fauna
[edit]
Indian stray dogs kill endangered species and livestock in national parks, sanctuaries, buffer zones, and protected areas.[9] Indian farmers have complained that stray dogs kill their livestock.[10]
Researchers at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment have studied the impact of stray dogs on their surroundings in India. Golden langur, the great Indian bustard and green turtles were attacked by dogs in protected areas.[11] Other research has also found that dogs are a threat to the ecosystem and endangered species all over India. Dogs attacked endangered stags in Kashmir, olive ridley eggs and hatchlings, killed foxes, endangered great Indian bustards, wild ass, Gazelle, Nilgai, Blackbuck and deer in sanctuaries.[12]
Previous studies have shown that domesticated dogs endangered 188 species of animals and have caused 11 mass extinctions globally. Domestic dogs are regarded as aggressive mammalian predators.[13] Stray dogs killed barking deer, sambar deer, spotted deer, jungle cats and leopards in forest areas of Munnar and Marayoor.[14] In Rajasthan, the endangered Great Indian bustard is facing a major threat from stray dogs who kill the birds and even destroy their eggs.[15] In Himachal Pradesh, the dogs are a threat to native wildlife like blue sheep, red panda, musk deer, Red foxes, weasels, martens, pika and marmots. The Himachal government said feral dogs were a threat to the ecosystem.[16] In Hisar, Haryana, stray dogs killed 78% of wildlife in five years.[17]
The Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) have called for strict action to end the menace of stray dogs after the highly endangered stripe-necked mongoose was mauled to death by stray dogs.[18]
Responses
[edit]Kerala's government faced opposition when they decided to cull dangerous dogs infected with rabies that were biting people.[19] Kerala citizens hired vigilantes to kill dogs after children were attacked by dogs and hospitalized.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ http://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/the-menace-of-street-dogs-in-indian-cities/
- ^ Harris, Gardiner (August 7, 2012). "Where Streets Are Thronged With Strays Baring Fangs". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ a b Lakshmi, Rama (October 21, 2016). "India has 30 million stray dogs. In one state, vigilantes are being pushed to kill them". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "Stray dog menace: Civic bodies have failed us, say 90% people in a national survey". India Today. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ Lobo, Ryan. "Opinion: What Explains India's Privileged Treatment of Street Dogs? – The Wire Science". Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "Isn't public safety prime responsibility of civic bodies?". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
- ^ "Who let the dogs out: Canine attacks the 3rd biggest cause for disease in Bihar". India Today. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
- ^ "What Is Causing Stray Dog Problem In India? What Does The Law Say? How To Protect Yourself During An Attack". News18. May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
- ^ "Dogs Are Turning Hunters, Wreaking Havoc On India's Livestock, Wildlife". The Wire. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ McCoy, Terrence (August 20, 2019). "The dog is one of the world's most destructive mammals. Brazil proves it". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ Ghosh, Sahana. "Dog trouble: Is our best friend a foe for wildlife?". Scroll.in. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "Pet peeve: India's top predator may just be the dog. And we're to blame". Hindustan Times. June 2, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "Is man's best friend biodiversity's enemy?". Research Matters. April 11, 2018. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ Thomas, Sandeep (September 12, 2022). "Stray Canines A Threat To Wildlife In Munnar Region". The Times of India. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "After antelopes, the Great Indian Bustard's survival is threatened by dogs". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. March 19, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "Feral dogs aggravate biodiversity crisis in Himalayas". The Third Pole. March 23, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "Wildlife falling prey to stray dogs in Hisar". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "Stray dog threat to small fauna". The Hindu. July 2, 2016. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ Sarkar, Monica (July 13, 2015). "Indian state's plans to cull stray dogs hits opposition". CNN. Retrieved January 14, 2023.