Sterilization is an efficient and humane way to control the dog population. Once sterilized, dogs should be left back at the same location from where they were picked up as per the ABC rules. Since they are sterilized, they do not multiply and are less aggressive. There are less dog fights and conflicts. Sterilized dogs live a healthier life.
Feeding stray dogs is a social responsibility that can help improve the lives of these animals and the community at large.
Feeding stray dogs is good practice that reduces dog to dog and dog to human conflict.
However, only feeding stray dogs is not enough. One must also ensure that the stray dog(s) whom you feed are sterilized/neutered and vaccinated once a year against rabies (Anti-Rabies vaccine) and other diseases (DHPPi vaccine). This helps in effective population control of stray dogs and prevention of rabies and other diseases.
Feeding stray dogs makes them more receptive to people and they are easier to catch for sterilisation or the yearly anti-rabies vaccinations. Additionally, it is in line with Indian court rulings about animal welfare and citizen’s social responsibility towards nature and animals in the country.
The Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja & Ors. (2014), decided by the Supreme Court, emphasised that animals have a right to life and that the term “life” should be given a broad definition that encompasses all forms of life, including animal life. Life is about dignity; it’s not only about surviving, existing, or being useful to humans in some way. “Freedom from hunger, thirst, and malnutrition” is one of the five freedoms for animals that are universally recognised.
Stray dog feeders/caretakers spend countless hours feeding stray dogs, tending to injured animals, paying for sterilisations out of their own pockets, and providing a warm bed and coat in the winter, or water bowls in the summer. We are grateful to all of these beautiful folks for preserving humanity in a time and place where everything is so artificial and cruelty to animals is at its all-time high!
The Animal Welfare Board of India (awbi.in) AWBI’s guidelines are meant to achieve the lowest possible conflict between the residents that want to feed stray dogs and those who do not like dogs. The two important points to understand from it for all dog lovers and stray dog caretakers are:
- Feed community dogs in areas less frequented by the general public, such as areas away from main roads, congested areas, entrances to buildings and apartments, near elevators, and so on.
- Distributing feeding across dogs’ territories is a better idea than feeding in one place, as that may cause a congregation of dogs, and therefore conflict. So please break up your stray dog feeding over a larger area, so the dog packs stay away from each other while feeding.
Feeding stray dogs is important for several reasons:
Population control: Stray dogs reproduce quickly, leading to an overpopulation problem. Feeding them can help make them friendly to humans and easy to be picked up for sterilisation and vaccination!
Animal welfare: Stray dogs are often malnourished and hungry, which can lead to a range of health problems, including disease and infection. Feeding them helps improve their health and well-being.
Community safety: Hungry and desperate dogs may become aggressive and pose a threat to people and other small animals in the community. By feeding them, they are less likely to resort to scavenging for food in populated areas.
Compassion and empathy: Many people feel a sense of responsibility and compassion towards animals, and feeding stray dogs is a simple way to show kindness and empathy towards them.
Overall, feeding stray dogs is an act of kindness and responsibility that can help improve the health and well-being of both the animals and the community they live in.
