DogExpress
In a recent incident, a stray dog bit more than 8 people in sector 15, Chandigarh. The dog was captured and tested positive for rabies. This has invoked concern, fear and worry among the people of tricity regarding stray dogs.
A recent debate was held by HT to figure out what readers, people in general and officials feel about the issue. The Municipal Corporation proposed culling as a resolution to curb the rising stray dog menace. So the question was asked to people whether they support it or not?
The majority of the people believe that culling is not the right option to tackle stray dog menace. There are a few people who strongly agree with culling of stray dogs to handle the current situation and then employ sterilization to keep a check on their population.
Here are some point of views of people – Excerpts taken from HT
Those who agree with Culling
Impose penalty on owners who let their dogs loose while walking
Culling is the only option left. The authorities are not serious about the problem. I had lodged four complaints with SAS Nagar MC regarding a dog running behind every vehicle. No action was taken. Many a time people on two wheelers have narrowly escaped. Heavy penalty should be imposed on residents who let loose their dogs in the morning the evening while walking
Human lives are more important
Culling is the only solution to decrease or eliminate the problem of stray dogs biting the tricity residents. Picking up dogs and dropping in an abandoned area is not possible. Sterilization cannot stop dogs from biting or attacking residents. NGOs working for the welfare and protection of animals do not take responsibility or provide kennels for keeping stray dogs. There is no central/state government-funded setup with the civic authorities which can be used to keep stray dogs. Any individual or a group or an NGO coming to the rescue of stray dogs should be asked to adopt such dogs. If these aren’t possible, culling of stray dogs is recommended and supported. Human lives are important than that of stray animals.
Those who oppose culling
Culling is inhumane
How can culling be considered as an option? Why not something as simple as sterilization? Culling is inhumane. People don’t have any problem with stray cows but with dogs. Please understand that dogs do not attack unless provoked.
Don’t punish the voiceless creatures
Instead of the inhumane idea of culling dogs MC should act responsibly by conducting Animal Birth Control (ABC) drives. How can you punish a voiceless animal because of irresponsible behavior of MC. Animal activists should be invited to help.
Culling not the solution
The earth doesn’t only belong to humans. Then why are we only thinking about ourselves? Humans are the main reason for destruction in many areas. So is the answer culling of humans? Rather than culling, use monetary resources to sterilize dogs. Also, adopt stray dogs.
What the Mayors of Tricity say?
Free treatment to victims
We have decided to provide free treatment to the victims of dog bites at our clinics in Sector 19 and Sector 38. Instructions have been passed on to officers concerned – Mayor of Chandigarh
Seeking help of NGOs
The stray dogs menace is a serious matter. Non-government organizations are being roped in to tackle the issue. We expect improvement – Mayor of SAS Nagar
MC taking all precautions
MC is concerned about cases of dog bite and taking precautions permitted. We recently started a helpline number and a quick-reaction task force- Mayor of Panchkula
Feel free to share your thoughts and views on this topic in the comments below – Should culling be considered as an option to deal with stray dog menace?
in Chandigarh, India. 
