SC on leftover food

The directions of the Supreme Court that all the leftover food in the court complex should be properly disposed off as it invites dogs into the compound, reminds us of the problems that exist here at a far higher level. Similarly the directions of the SC to the Delhi government that all dogs in the area should be taken to shelters and sterilised, remind us of the similar talk here some years back. One can hope that the directions given by the SC to the Delhi Government are followed in letter and spirit, but in our case it has been all talk and no action.

Here in Kashmir, we have been raising this issue of increasing dog population for over a decade. All this while thousands were bitten, dozens if not hundreds seriously wounded, and many mauled to death. It cannot get more scary than this. But this scare is now a given, and that is the real danger.

The point that the SC has made, is worth reiterating in every nook and corner of Kashmir. In fact, it should ring in every household; each individual and both the ears.

If we only do one thing, dispose off the left over food properly, our problem is not just half solved but almost entirely. The reason dog population has seen such a hike is the disposal of wet waste on road sides. This is the ideal way that dogs can be raised, and allowed to grow in numbers. If we just count the places in the Srinagar city where we have big dumping sites, the packs of dogs thriving there can tell us the whole story. When they enjoy a feast every morning, each evening, and throughout the day, what stops them from dining and breeding.

Unfortunately we have come to a pass where we have conceded our streets and roads to the canine control; for us it is now a normal. If only a campaign is kickstarted that no household is allowed to throw any of the wet waster outside, a change will happen before long. It is for the concerned departments, roping in other enforcing agencies, to declare throwing of wet waste outside as a criminal offence, duly punishable, things will start changing. A strict imposition of this will make us regain the paradise that has, at the moment, become a haven for dogs.