Unsafe Streets

As much we cry about the menace of street dogs, as much we suffer because of it, and as much the level of crisis goes further up, nothing changes on the streets. The number of dogs goes up, the cases of dog bites are reported in thousands, and we are all watching it as helplessly as it can be. As if there is no way out, and there can’t be any solution to this problem!

The existing legal and statutory regime dealing with animals certainly doesn’t allow resorting to methods that were earlier in vogue. But does that mean we are at the mercy of dogs and they are there to rule our streets? Never. Any civilised society, coupled with an efficient governance structure, can find a solution to problems, howsoever difficult.

Now the plain and straight question is that what can be done? How can we be saved from the threat that the stray dogs? As they say, we can tell you the way out if only you tell us how did you reach here.

The way out in this case is to eliminate the factors that contribute to rising dig population one by one, and over a period of time we can see a significant reduction in dog population. Rather than grieving over this, and each time wanting some short cuts to be employed by the administration, it is better that the civil society cooperates actively on how to tackle with this problem and begin by making changes to everyday living.

The front page story in this newspaper is yet another eye opener on the enormity of the crisis. The highlights of the story can give us a measure of it. In J&K there are more than 3 lakh stray dogs, that is 2nd highest ration in India.  In 2024 more than 50 thousand, and in January 2025 alone almost 5 thousand cases  of dig bites have been reported. If such is the scale of problem, how can we be so insensitive.

The first step towards ensuring dog free streets in the long run is to keep our streets clean. The waste we generate in homes and commercial spaces needs disposal within the compounds.