Pune May Finally Get A Sensible Policy To Manage Strays

Stray Dogs
Image used for representation only

The sharp rise in the population of stray dogs in Pune has been a topic of much debate with animal activists, civic authorities and citizens, at loggerheads perennially. 

The PMC released the year’s Environment ESR report which stated that dog bite cases recorded in 2017 was 10,340  and this year 5,365 cases have been recorded till date. 

In an effort to deal with the increasing complaints, a comprehensive policy for the management of strays is scheduled to be tabled before the PMC standing committee for approval.

“The number of stray dogs has increased over the last 10 years,” quotes Neha Panchamiya, President, RESQ charitable trust. “An increase in the population does lead to more territorial issues amongst the dogs as well competition for food to survive.

The collateral damage caused is faced by animals and humans both, and yes, this is currently an issue of major concern,” Neha explains.

Speaking her mind on the newly formulated policies, she says “The decision to have a centralized dog squad is definitely good, since it will solve the issues that come with incorrect relocation and ensure accountability of the number of surgeries and vaccinations done.

Monitoring the ABC surgeries using CCTV cameras will prevent false claims of surgery. The focus on conducting Mass Anti-Rabies vaccination is applaudable, as the number of positive canine rabies cases has increased alarmingly, not just in street dogs but also pet dogs.

“However, I genuinely believe that until Pet Licensing is not made mandatory and implemented to ensure responsible pet ownership along with strict solid waste (garbage) management, our city will never see a change in the street dog population concerns we currently face. In interest of animals and humans, the PMC needs to upgrade its Pet Licensing policy, put together an Animal Task Force to ensure implementation for animal as well as Public Health and Safety.

RESQ in collaboration with Ashoka Trust for Research in Environment and Ecology (ATREE) conducted an independent census and have estimated the city’s street dog population to be approximately 3 lakh.

“I strongly urge people not to resort to pressuring the authorities to “pick up puppies younger than six months and take them away” (especially previously neutered dogs) or indulge in activities to harm the animals because not just is it cruel but against the law.

This is never going to solve your problem of getting ‘rid of the dogs’ as newer un-neutered one will just come in. It’s okay to not like dogs, but it’s never okay to be cruel,” quips Panchamiya.

New Policy To Include:
Increase the capacity of the civic dog pound from 300 to 600.
Focus on female dogs and vaccination.
Animals will be vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine, guaranteeing protection for three years, unlike earlier.
Different agencies will go about with stray canines and releasing after vaccination and marking and sterilisation.
Giving reflector collar belts to demarcate the year of vaccination.
Conducting all the procedures under CCTV surveillance.

Stray Dog - CAses & Sterilisation

Apart from the policies mentioned, Dr Prakash Wagh, veterinary superintendent PMC also said in a report that notching will be done only after the canines are sterilised.

Why Is The Stray Population Rising:

Under the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules 2001, sub section (1) of section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act., the following acts are punishable by law.
Picking up of lactating mothers and puppies
Picking up puppies younger than 6 months
Picking up sterilized dogs
Relocation of dogs
Dumping of street dogs outside the city limits

Semi-owned Dogs in ‘basties’ or pets belonging to irresponsible pet owners with the highest fecundity (fertility) and survival rate are never caught by PMC vans.

Mandatory Pet Licensing which enforces responsible pet ownership can hope to solve this problem. Currently, the licensing policies outdated. The PMC must revise its policy and use technology for pet licensing.

The garbage generated due to the city’s rapid growth in urbanisation is not adequately controlled.

Until this is not put in place, the street dogs will continue to increase as they have fuel for survival.

This Is How You Can Help:  
Allow the volunteers working actively on solving these issues to work peacefully.
Cooperate with the PMC squad when they come to pick up dogs. Do not offer resistance while they are picking up or releasing stray dogs.

Animal welfare enthusiasts must ensure responsible feeding and care for street dogs    without creating any difficulty for others around.

It is against the law to relocate a street dog. This is illegal and pointless, since a new one will come in its place. Ensure that the ones in your area are neutered to prevent breeding and stop others from coming in.

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Loveleen Kaur