Overview
Caring for stray dogs is not only good for the protection of humans from contagious diseases but for the dogs too.
Most free-roaming dogs belong to an ancient canine race known as the pariah dog, which has existed all over Asia and Africa ever since human beings started living in settlements.. In India the breed has existed for perhaps 14,000 years or more .Much of the urban stray population consists of mongrels or mix-breeds.
There are around 2.5- 3 lakh stray dogs in Delhi. Density of stray dogs can vary from 127 dogs to 1304 dogs per square kilometer of area.
Stray dogs can be disciplined. Be patient and do not expect immediate results. Let the selected residents, feed them morning and evening at the feeding stations of the colony. One resident along with one waste collector per dog. Be around though not very close. Let the dog knows that you feed him and talk to him gently. Soon the dog will develop faith , will recognize your smell , your voice and your appearance.
Vatavaran's Canine Companions steps in the colonies they work:
Study - Population dynamics , age and sex ratio , spatial distribution .
Health care - Study health conditions ,Getting the sick dogs treated.
Population Control - Getting dogs neutered.
Adoption - Decide if each dog / pack should be adopted by a person,
or a group.
Monitoring - Regular meetings, maintaining data, and providing first aid.
Public Awareness - Making all residents know about stray dogs.
Animal Welfare:
Two common animals around us are stray dogs and commensal monkeys. Both need management. While dogs can be managed by individuals or communities , monkeys have to be managed by the government only-they being protected under the wild life act of the country.
Why Manage Mongrels
- Mongrel Dogs are of mixed ancestry. In India the breed has existed for perhaps 14,000 years or more
- That mongrels live longer , need less surgeries , resistance to diseases like elongated soft palate, intervertebral disk disorders (discopathy), hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, Legg-Calve-Perth’s disease, panostitis, patellar luxation, distichiasis and entropion .
- There is a special delight in taking care of a mongrel from puppyhood. Each mongrel has its own character and looks. Mongrelsmake better pets.
Ten ways of peaceful coexistence with stray dogs of your colony
- Never look a dog in his eyes, it can cause a dog to become violent or scared and pounce on you. if you find dog looking at your eyes, look away.
- Don't pet any dog you come across. Never touch someone else's dog unless you have permission from the owner of the dog.
- Don't bother dogs who are protecting their territory. Dogs territory can be his yard, his home, his crate, his doghouse, his toys, his bone.
- If a dog comes out barking at you, do not bark back, stone, kick or hit with any stick. Stay calm; try calming the dog as we do to human babies.
- Running from a dog is a bad idea. When a dog sees someone or something run from them, they give chase. Its best to walk away from a dog.
- If a dog tries to get closer and closer to you, stand against it that is on its side. Never in front of him.If a dog follows you ignore him.
- Don't bother dogs by getting close to their face, walking right up to a dog suddenly or when they are eating or sleeping. Don't bother dogs by teasing them
- Give dog enough room so he does not feel crowded. Be gentle, specially with old dogs , don't surprise them.
- Treat your dog with kindness and respect. Pet him and brush him with a gentle hand.Talk with a normal voice.
- Never stick your hand out for the dog to smell. However if a dog on its own tries smelling your hand – it should be open palm, do not panic.
