Do not keep feeding stray dogs at the same place

Recently, a rabid dog caused havoc, biting 12 people in Bangalore. The dog died, but not before creating a sense of panic among citizens. Sunitha Rao R spoke to Suparna Ganguly , vice president, Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), an NGO, on the dog menace, how to immunise the dogs and tackle the problem at large.

What is the status of the project, ‘Rabies-free India’, that was launched by the Union government?
It’s positive but only on the paper. The project has the backing of the ministry for environment and the animal welfare board is also keen to see that it is implemented. But no concrete action has been taken to achieve the goals. Most initiatives in the villages and districts are not progressing as they should have, unless there is an NGO to take the work forward. It should not be the singular activity of one agency. Not only the government, the NGOs and public must also be involved to avoid possible misappropriation of money and medicines when the project is on.

What are the problems faced in reimmunising stray dogs?
Getting hold of the dog that needs to be reimmunised is the biggest challenge. Many of the stray dogs are not sterilised or immunised. Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) and the BBMP must work with NGOs to solve this issue. When the NGOs’ performance is not up to the mark, the RWAs, must bring it to the notice of the BBMP. Even the animal birth control programme is not being implemented properly.

The Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) is a very successful immunisation process, according to doctors.
Hygiene is a critical issue in India, which is essential in CNVR. If hygiene is not maintained during the procedure, then it becomes a torture for both the public and the dogs as the latter come out with a hanging intestine.While the animal can be released within 24 hours, the process requires highly-trained specialists, which we lack and is very expensive. CNVR is not happening in the city, though it is essential.

How can the BBMP help in the process?
The BBMP must make timely payments to the agencies and monitor their work. There is a need for coordination between health officers of BBMP. They should take strict measures to manage garbage and keep the city clean.

How can the citizens help in fighting the stray rabies dog menace?
Citizens should know their ward number and take note of the contact details of BBMP officials and the NGO responsible for that area. The RWAs must constantly be in touch with the NGOs to make sure that all the stray dogs in the area are sterilised and vaccinated. Giving the dogs one meal a day is ok, but do not feed them at the same place every day. It must at least be quarter of a kilometre away from your place; keep changing the spot so that the the dogs do not get attached to one spot.