BANGALORE: Following recurrent reports of alleged dog bite attacks in the city, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s ABC program has come under the scanner. The Corporation feels it needs more power within its jurisdiction to be able to eliminate dogs in areas where it is absolutely necessary. The non-governmental organisations, which partnered the ABC program with the Corporation feel the need to tell people that the ABC program works just fine and that what is necessary is sufficient citizen participation and support.People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a non-governmental organisation believe that most dog aggressions occurs when there is a territorial conflict. “When dogs cross territories to mate, they tend to fight with other dogs whose areas they enter”, says Poorva Joshipura, Chief Functionary, PETA. But she adds that this is no longer a problem once dogs from a particular neighbourhood are sterilised. Post-sterilisation, the testosterone levels in male dogs are reduced which lowers aggression. In the case of female dogs, she says, that they are usually aggressive when they are protective of their puppies.Organizations like PETA believe that the sterilisation programmes needs more support from the people. Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) believes that residents are largely unaware of the ABC program jointly undertaken by the Corporation and the NGOs in the city. Brinda Nandakumar, Member, CUPA, says that resident welfare associations must be approached with a view to educate the residents about the benefits of the program. “The ABC program mandates participation from the citizens as well. Citizens are ignorant about the ABC program,” she says. She also adds that if resident organisations are contacted, it is easier to determine the problem areas in the city and further deal with the problematic dogs.She agrees that while the ABC program is meritorious, it will be helpful in solving the problem only when implemented properly. “Displacement is counter-productive to the problem,” she says while pointing out the need to send the dogs back to the same area after the sterilisation program.The popular opinion is that the level of cleanliness and better civic maintenance is key to the solution. NGOs believe that if roadside eateries are careful about not throwing food on the road and people are more conscious about keeping their area clean, there will be a lesser incentive for dogs to gather in packs. “The Corporation must also deal with unlicensed mutton stalls that throw carcasses on roads,” Brinda Nandakumar says.
Comments
0 comment