Killing of Stray Dogs
Killing of Dogs
A betrayal.
An Evasive Solution.
By
M. R. Shah
Former Chief Engineer (SWM), BMC
The matter of Killing “Dogs” is pending in the court of law related to killing of dogs and where NGOs are trying to oppose the move of the Administration for the noble cause. The community must rise against the mindless action.
Very recently, I had an occasion to hear the conversation of the Civic Authority on this issue and one thing is sure that some section of Admn. are determined to kill the dogs and actively working in this direction. This also indicates mind set of the Civic Authority and some politicians who support such moves. But this also should be an eye-opener to the society at large and Jain and other communities in particular.
My intention is to provide some historical background and touching some important aspects which I feel in the long run will provide better food for the thoughts to our community, NGOs and others.
The Dog is always remained as a closest friend of the mankind; even in the mythological stories he is recognized as an important alloy and a friend. Dharmaraj Yudhishthir took his dog while heading towards swarga (heaven).
Most renowned Greek Philosopher Aristotle had once said that King must induct his security personnel having instinct that of a dog. He further said that the dog is the only animal in the animal kingdom who discriminate with his natural instinct between friend and foe and is the only animal who will sacrifice the life for his master.
The question which is posed here to the reader is not whether the authority is on the right track while deciding the killing of stray dogs or NGOs are opposing the move for the genuine reasons. To me both have missed some of the points, which I would like to touch in this chapter.
I reproduce below some of the contents from the book “Mumbai Nagari” written by Shri N.R.Phatak and published by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai on 9th March 1981. This book covers many important events of the civic matter.
Chapter 7, page no. 92 amply describes the issue of killing of dogs in the year 1832 earlier than existence of BMC. The write-up is in Marathi, which I am translated in English for the benefit of the readers.
There was immense nuisance from the stray dogs in the city and which has attracted the complaints from the European Community and other elite class. It was difficult to differentiate and identify the normal dogs and mad dogs. However, biting of dogs was considered as most horrible and there was psycho fear. To eliminate stray dogs, the East India Co., the Governing Body, had taken the steps to kill the dog and engaged the police force to catch and kill. They have also engaged killing of dogs by the citizens who were rewarded suitably if the dead body of dog is brought to the police station. However, this move of East India Co. provoked the citizens, particularly Parsee, Gujarathi and Jain communities who determined to fight against this move.
The police engaged in the catching of dogs were chased by the member of the society and were beaten and stones were pelted on them. This turned out to be riot.
The matter did not end there. The irate citizens obstructed the water and food supply of European community who were staying inside the fort. Even the Officers of EIC were followed, stoned and harassed. Finally, the company has ordered firing and there were casualties of human lives. The arrested people were imprisoned.
Similar incident again occurred in the early 19th century when the award for killing of dog was declared and as token cutting ear of the dog was required to be produced for which they were paid 8 annas (0.50 paise).
Therefore, it is necessary to understand the social aspects relevant to the existence of the dogs in the human society and their important is a vital element of the eco-system apart from being most trusted friend of the human being.
Survival of the stray dogs is on food waste lavishly thrown by the citizens in the open or in dustbin, which attracts stray animals including dogs.
Human society has migrated from one area to another for the search of food, security and further survival which is a natural phenomenon. This is also true for the dogs. If hypothetically dogs are eliminated from one area, phenomenon of migration will work and dogs from other area will fill the vacuum till sufficient food waste is available to them. Thinking of rarest of the rare opportunities, if BMC eliminates the dogs from the Municipal Limit, how they will ensure that dogs would not migrate from the adjoining locality like Thane, Vashi etc.
Let us be realistic and not hypocrat. If Decision Making Authority or Political Masters or Govt. cannot think or even dream to stop human migration from the rural area to the city of Mumbai, how they will be in a position to stop migration of the dogs?
We have forgotten the importance of the dog as an element of eco-cycle. The dogs are other stray animals are surviving on the food waste lavishly thrown by the citizens. If food waste is not consumed by such animals which will lead to number of diseases. In fact, as a part of eco-system, dogs are protecting us from many such lethal diseases. We are again forgetting their important role in the Eco-cycle.
The city of Mumbai is always facing the problem of security from anti-social elements particularly at nighttime. Do we have enough police force to protect the society against theft? Directly or indirectly, the dog is playing a very important role of a “night watchman and police” during the odd hours when we are sleeping. Can we again forget their important contribution providing security to the society?
But there is also the possibility of nuisance, which also needs to be considered with impartial attitude. Visit the Parsee colony and you will find less number of dogs and stray animals in this area. It is obvious as Parsees are self-disciplined people who do not throw food waste in open and therefore, no attraction to the dogs and other stray animals.
The possible solution that can be worked out very easily and with other preventive measures which experts and Civic Admn. may have in mind. The solution lies here:
· Let no food waste is thrown in the open and let citizens become self-disciplined.
· Collection and removal should be such that accumulated food could be efficiently transported to the dumping ground rather than wait for stray animals to consume.
· Sterilization of dogs to control the population may be one of the acceptable solutions without hurting the feelings of the society.
Therefore, killing of the dogs is against the interest of the society and will certainly lead to failure as history says where there are plenty of evidences. Let wisdom prevails.
Why to kill innocent, a close friend of human being when there are many options available.
Think, Act and React best to your conscience.
Email – mrshah.thane@yahoo.co.in