Tag: Stray Animals

‘A Person Can Be Both An Animal Lover And Sensitive To Stray Menace’

By Lokmarg

Saurabh Singh, a fitness enthusiast in Lucknow, says civic bodies alone cannot manage strays; animal lovers and residents groups must step it to find a middle path. His views:

I recently shifted to a newly developed area in Lucknow as the core city was getting crowded and cramped with each passing day. I chose this locality as it has green surroundings and ample public space to take walks at any given time of the day. However, as the rule of nature goes in our culture and country, public spaces are often shared by wandering canines, bovines etc.

There are times when these animals are often in conflict with one another over territorial issues or sharing of food. Such noisy fights can be a nuisance to the old and frightening to the young. However, in any progressive society, there must be a civilised way to deal with an issue and we cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of an abandoned, homeless creature, as happened in the case of Supreme Court earlier decision to cramp all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR into state shelter.

A permanent and a benevolent solution to such issues begin with expert scientific approach, backed by state machinery, skilled workforce and wherewithal. The other aspect is time. You cannot solve an issue of this magnitude in a matter of weeks, as directed earlier by the Supreme Court bench. How can any government or civic administration achieve such Herculean task with limited resources?

The statistics appearing in the media are mind-numbing. There are about 10 lakh stray dogs roaming on the streets of Delhi-NCR while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi only has a meagre 20 such facilities to treat or sterilize the abandoned dogs!

ALSO READ: ‘Stray Issue Can’t Be Dealt With A Knee-Jerk Decision’

Surprisingly, in 2024, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court also took suo moto cognizance of the stray dog menace in Lucknow, registering a case to address the issue after a minor boy was mauled to death by a pack of strays. The court directed the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to explain the steps being taken to curb the menace. The LMC was asked to explain the measures being taken to control the stray dog population and address the issue of attacks, including the implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.

However, besides the increased activity of the animal-catching staff of the LMC and some hyper activities of various departments (which were highlighted in the local media for a few days), no concrete and visible action was taken and the situation remains the same in all the localities of Lucknow.

The responsibility for managing stray animals does not lie solely with the judiciary or the municipal authorities. Civil society organisations, residents welfare associations, animal rights activists and individuals have a collective role to play. Most of the Indian cities face similar challenges, where the stray dog population is the unintended consequence of inadequate waste management, urban sprawl, and a lack of robust sterilisation programmes.

The issue is a complex one with valid arguments on both sides. It is not a simple dichotomy between being an animal lover and prioritizing public safety. A citizen can be both an animal lover and concerned about public safety. Thus there is a strong need to establish or to derive a middle path for this.

As told to Rajat Rai

Spare A Thought For Stray Animals Amid This Heatwave

‘Spare A Thought For Stray Animals In This Heatwave’

By LokMarg

Jyoti Mishra, the co-founder of NGO Shiv Ananta Foundation, says brutal summer can be lethal for community animals and calls for public action for their welfare. Her views:

As an NGO worker dedicated to the welfare of stray animals, I am deeply concerned about the severe impact of scorching heat and growing concrete infrastructure on the vulnerable creatures. Each year, as temperatures soar, the plight of stray dogs, cows, and other community animals worsens, often leading to untimely deaths and unbearable living conditions. The relentless heatwave, coupled with urbanization, poses a significant threat to their survival, and it is imperative that we take collective action to mitigate these challenges.

The brutal summer heat can be lethal for stray animals. Unlike humans, these animals do not have the luxury of seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces or accessing a constant supply of clean water. Stray dogs, for instance, suffer from heatstroke, dehydration, and burned paws due to the scalding concrete roads. Cows, which are often left to wander the streets, face similar fates. Their thick coats and inability to sweat efficiently make them particularly susceptible to heat stress, leading to severe health issues and, in many cases, death.

Concrete roads exacerbate these problems significantly. During the peak summer months, these surfaces can become unbearably hot, often reaching temperatures that cause severe burns. This not only affects the physical well-being of the animals but also restricts their movement, making it difficult for them to find food, water, and shelter. The lack of shaded areas and green spaces in urban settings further compounds their misery, leaving them with little respite from the oppressive heat.

ALSO READ: ‘Pollution is Causing Breathing Issues In Animals Too’

NGOs like ours play a crucial role in alleviating the suffering of these animals. Our primary focus is on providing immediate relief and long-term solutions. During heatwaves, we set up water stations across the city, ensuring that stray animals have access to fresh, clean water. These stations are strategically placed in areas with high stray populations and are regularly monitored and refilled by our volunteers.

Additionally, we organize community awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of helping stray animals. Simple acts, such as leaving out bowls of water, providing temporary shelters made from discarded materials, or even just offering a shaded spot, can make a tremendous difference. Public participation is crucial, as a collective effort can significantly amplify the impact of our initiatives.

Our efforts also extend to rescuing animals in distress. During particularly harsh weather, our rescue teams are on high alert, responding to calls about animals suffering from heatstroke or injuries caused by hot surfaces. These animals are brought to our shelters, where they receive medical care, nourishment, and a safe place to recover. We work closely with veterinarians to ensure that they are treated promptly and effectively.

Moreover, we advocate for the creation of more green spaces within urban areas. Parks, tree-lined streets, and community gardens not only enhance the environment but also provide much-needed relief to stray animals. We collaborate with local governments and urban planners to push for animal-friendly infrastructure that considers the well-being of all living beings within the city.

The challenges faced by stray animals during extreme heat are immense, but with continued effort and compassion, we can make a difference. NGOs, volunteers, and compassionate citizens must work together to create a safer, more humane environment for these animals. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions, we can help ensure that stray animals are not left to suffer and that they receive the care and protection they deserve.

As told to Deepti Sharma

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