Apathy - why we are unable to control the dog population

by Nandita Subba Rao

1. Apathy of residents

I keep circulating messages, asking everyone to report any unsterilised dog. I have even explained how to figure out if a dog is sterilised or not. I mentioned how to recognise an unneutered or intact dog ie one who doesn’t have the ear notch. .

But nobody reported these dogs! Everyone thinks that it is the job of somebody else. When you have a streetlight not functioning, you are quick to post it here. When you see a new dog, why don't you do the same?It's not rocket science to observe the ears and understand if it's neutered -- isn't it in your own interest* to figure this out and control the numbers early?

2. BBMP's scarce service

The BBMP van comes by once a week, but they don't get too much into the inner roads, unless we request them to come. They have targets to meet, so they will not spend hours together to catch a single dog. Therefore, it's in our interest to strategise and call them.

3. Harassment of feeders

I have mentioned Mr. X above, and he buckled under pressure. We have also had examples of someone following and filming a feeder when she was feeding -- fortunately, she was bold enough to stand her ground. During the lockdown, from the same street as Mr. X, a couple of people fed secretly at night because these same hostile neighbours would quarrel with them also.

Animal caregivers are a persecuted lot -- whenever we go, people pick an argument with us, and expect us to take responsibility and explain the behaviour of every dog anywhere in the country! 🤷🏻‍♀️

4. Unwillingness to co-operate for the exercise

Most people ideally hope that some miracle can just get rid of the dogs for them. In the absence of that, they just grumble.

I have never come across someone say that they will allow the dogs into their compound or shed, so that they can be caught easily. They will not feed the dog and make friends with it. Or they are the persecuted ones who feed secretly, so they cannot admit to doing it. And, because they are feeding at night and not in broad daylight, it's impossible to catch them.

It's a one-time exercise to prevent more and more litters, but nobody cooperates.

5. Rumour mongering

And then, as if there isn't enough hatred and fear, we have people who pass comments like This dog is drooling so it's dangerous -- spreading their ignorance far and wide, and instilling more fear in everyone. The goal is clearly not to help or educate, but just to spread panic. So, nobody will want to have anything to do with reporting any dog at all.

With all these reasons, it's no surprise that we are in this mess, with no reduction in the population.

SOLUTION

1. Recognise that you are the best people to help yourselves. You know the dogs' location and movement patterns best. Figure out which ones are not neutered -- and out of these, which ones are friendly. Some of you have dogs; you may be in a better position to assess this.

2. Identify any compound where the walls are high and residents are willing.

3. Reach out to your local guardian and do a preliminary check.

4. Nothing works like food does. Get them used to eating in this compound -- this is the best way to catch them and get them neutered.

Please note: I have always obsessed about controlling the population and vaccination of dogs. I have offered and I am still willing to help, but I cannot do it without the cooperation of the residents.

Love & feed your Streetie . BUT- please NEUTER!