Survival Of The Fittest – Rule Applies To Stray Dogs In India

Dogs and humans share a special bond on this planet. You can experience a connection on the emotional, physical, and psychological levels. Whether you own a dog as a pet or a caring dog, the companionship is unique. However, all countries do not have exclusive shelter homes for stray dogs.

You can spot several canines on the streets as their owners abandon them (due to reasons known best to them). These dogs only reproduce and result in many pups on the streets. Such four-legged animals do not receive proper love and affection.

You may feel anxious and try to reach out to help but, how much and how often can you do it? There are several things to know about stray dogs in India. The abandoned animals are a mix of different breeds and emerge from a litter. You may try to help by sharing some food or warm sheets during rough weather but, the best option is shelter homes.

Some dogs die at the time of birth. While some survive to struggle on the streets. The street breeds have zero inoculation. Therefore, turn into the largest carriers of diseases – like the Rabies.

History of stray dogs in India

You can find countless street dweller canines in India. It is a common sight to find at least three dogs in every street. History reveals that millions of these wandering animals are the direct descendants of feral canine ancestors – a breed of canines much older than the American Kennel Club breed.

Dogs in India are of two groups, either proper breeds dwelling in good families as pets or abandoned breeds that are sometimes harmful and sometimes harmless.

Domestication of dogs by humans is around 23,000 years old. These four-legged furry friends are serving, caring, and supporting humans for a long time now. From protecting the house to pulling carts, supporting handicapped, and just being companions are a few worth mentioning qualities of a great animal.

Ignorance and fear

There is always a common fear amongst people of catching diseases like rabies. Some also fear as these dogs are aggressive when provoked, and due to their self-defense nature, they tend to attack humans. You can experience a phobia towards dogs that can develop unexplained fear.

Most people consider stray dogs in India a nuisance and seek eradication by wrong methods. Municipal sanitation practices are advisable for the proper clearing of these dogs. Several organizations are working towards the removal of street dogs.

So, they hire dog catchers who are professional in catching the canines turn them sterile (to reduce further breeding), and send them to shelter homes.

Know more about the stray dog

An average street dog is medium build and weighs around 25kgs. The hair and skin are not shiny and lacks nutrition. Since the abandoned dogs do not get a proper hygiene routine and food, they are generally undernourished and cranky. The average height of any street dog is 50cms.

Some dogs on the streets are playful, some fierce, some loyal to humans, and some dwellers. The street dogs are very protective of their surroundings and feel they must safeguard them. It is one of the significant reasons they attack any stranger trying to enter the area.

Why so many stray dogs in India – reasons are many

1. No proper plan and funding for the abandoned animals in the country is the foremost reason for so many street dwellers. Government has no programs or allocation of money to relocate the dogs or turn them sterile to stop the reproduction.
2. Animal control agencies are either not present in all parts of the country or are barely active. Spaying, inoculation, cleansing the dogs on the streets is only dependent on the private agencies and social welfare groups.
3. Lack of adoption centers is one significant reason for the increasing number of stray dogs in India. Domestication of dogs is especially important. You cannot feed the stray dogs and provide temporary shelter during rough times – it should become a continuous process.
4. Improper management of Animal Birth Control (ABC) team. The dog population must come under control to reduce more animals on a street that may carry any threat of the diseases to humans. Short-term ABC campaigns are as good as doing nothing. These programs hold the long-term solution to reduce the reproduction rate. Moreover, clearing of open rubbishes, vaccination of stray dogs, and regular cleansing of the existing ones are considered simple ways to curb this issue.

Laws for stray dogs in the country  

• Feeding stray dogs is not illegal
• Poisoning street dogs is a criminal offense
• Hurting, harming, or physically assaulting the dog is a crime
• Purposefully making them starve is illegal
• Illegally capturing them and keeping them in confinement is against the law
• Euthanasia (putting them to sleep) is considered illegal in India.
• Government issues some IDs who are willing to help and volunteer for dog care.

Conclusion 

Compassion and care are the two gestures you can show to the street dogs. When you spot any unwell dog (limping or with bruises), seek immediate help from an animal shelter or Vet. Take proper assistance to save their lives and even ensure safer living conditions for the local humans.

You can comfort the stray dogs by providing temporary shelter under your staircase, in the parking lot, or in the backyard. All living creatures deserve a decent and healthy life – you can offer one if you are looking for a pet in your family. Check with the nearby animal shelter or rescue home to welcome a pup home.