The very grievous attack by a pack of dogs on a 38 year old woman at Vasco must awaken the authorities to the prevailing grim reality. The increasing number of stray dogs is a matter of great concern. The stray dog menace across Goa is now beyond control. We have the stray dog population multiplying in every nook and corner of the State. Every road in our cities and all corners of the villages are infested with stray dogs. The situation is very alarming and disturbing with stray dogs chasing cyclists and two wheeler riders. Even those walking the streets are not spared while people’s sleep is disturbed with the stray dogs howling all night.
Animal welfare organizations have been making tall claims about their successes in controlling the stray dog population. However, the general public remains unimpressed as the stray dog population grows relentlessly. The anguish and distress faced by a victim of a dog bite is only to be experienced or seen.
It is true that animals are required to be protected from unnecessary pain and suffering. However, when it comes to choosing between the sufferings of human beings due to a dog bite, obviously the weightage will have to be given to the suffering of humans. There is a need and necessity to consider the seriousness of the stray dog menace in a very dispassionate manner not being influenced by any emotional issues.
Wouldn’t it be appropriate that dog lovers adopt stray dogs and keep them in their homes well cared for and domesticated instead of feeding them on the streets and making it all messier and precarious for society?
