In the quaint streets of Batamaloo, where laughter of children once thrived with a vibrant pulse, a mournful stillness now envelops the air. It was amidst these familiar streets that Ahmad, a 10-year-old boy found himself in a harrowing chase with a stray dog, that tragically culminated in his untimely demise after a 13-day battle in hospital.
Nearly two months before this incident, in April, another eight-year-old boy was mauled when a stray dog attacked him in Awantipora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, leaving his lung and other vital organs injured.
Such incidents of stray dog aggression resulting in injuries or fatalities have been reported in various parts of Kashmir, taking the number of dog-bite cases to 60,000 over the decade. According to the data by Anti-Rabies Clinic (ARC) at the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital Srinagar, Kashmir recorded a total of 5,629 bite victims, mostly dog bites in the last one year. Srinagar, specifically, had the highest number of reported cases, with 4,264 incidents of dog bites.
While it is crucial to acknowledge people’s concerns and experiences of stray dog bites, it is equally important to understand the circumstances that lead to such incidents. In a recent interview with Kashmir Observer, Dr. Qazi Mudasir, a veterinarian at the Central Veterinary Hospital in Srinagar, talks about the growing concern of stray dog-related issues from an animal welfare standpoint.
In your professional opinion, what are the main reasons stray dogs resort to biting humans?
Stray dogs may resort to biting humans due to a variety of reasons, which can include fear, territoriality, protection of resources, pain or illness, maternal instincts, or previous negative experiences.
Dogs compete for food, mating partners, living space etc. When the population of dogs increases, the available resources may become limited. Stray dogs may become more aggressive with other animals or even people who approach them around food sources, potentially leading to dog bites in defense of their perceived territory or resources. Also, female dogs may become protective when they have puppies nearby. On top of this, improper disposal of day to day kitchen wastes can contribute to dog bites by attracting stray dogs to populated areas in search of food.
One important factor that I believe is contributing to the increasing number of dog-bite cases in Kashmir is less human-dog interaction or lack of socialization. Positive human interactions build trust between dogs and humans, and here people don’t typically interact with stray dogs. Kashmiris traditionally used to keep extra food, such as rotis for dogs outside their homes, but this trend has diminished to a large extent. It has been seen that in areas where there is minimal interaction between humans and stray dogs, it becomes increasingly challenging to address the aggression or fear these dogs exhibit.
Are there specific triggers that lead to aggressive behavior in dogs?
Triggers that can lead to aggressive behavior in dogs, including strays, include threats or perceived threats. Dogs can generalize negative experiences and develop fear, mistrust or aggression towards humans based on past traumatic encounters. If a dog has been mistreated, harmed or stoned by someone, it can associate that experience with humans in general and may perceive all humans as potential threats. It has also been observed that sometimes puppies on roadsides get hurt or killed by rash human driving and their mothers later on chase every vehicle on road owing to their previous traumatic experience.
Are there any specific signs or warning signals that people should be aware of, indicating any potential danger from stray dogs? And what behaviors should people avoid when encountering a stray dog?
Firstly, it is important to recognize that stray dogs are not wild animals that are inherently prone to attack. While some stray dogs may exhibit aggressive behavior, the majority of stray dogs tend to be fearful or wary of humans and will avoid conflict. In situations where a dog actively attacks, people may not have the opportunity or presence of mind to look for specific warning signs. However, stray dogs may exhibit signs such as growling or baring their teeth, or when a dog’s hair on the back of its neck and along the spine stands up, known as raised hackles, it can be an indication that the dog feels threatened or territorial, and it is essential to keep a safe distance.
In Islam also, there is a strong emphasis on the rights and wellbeing of animals. It is undeniable that the recent cases of dog bites, which tragically resulted in deaths, have instilled fear and anger within the region; however, I will again reiterate that it is essential to approach stray dogs with kindness and a non-threatening demeanor. Avoid provoking, taunting or chasing them, as it can escalate their behavior and create a potentially dangerous situation.
What role does the lack of proper waste management play in proliferation of the canine population?
Srinagar city generates hundreds of tons of waste daily, and leaving that garbage or food waste in open areas can attract stray dogs. They find a consistent food source and are more likely to reproduce and thrive, leading to larger numbers of strays. We often see that in Kashmiri weddings people don’t follow the SOP for proper food waste disposal. No doubt, Municipal Corporation has its own duty to implement proper waste management practices that include secure disposal of garbage and the regular collection and disposal of waste in designated containers or landfill, but people also need to have some civic sense regarding proper waste disposal.
As per 2011 dog census, there were around 90,000 street dogs in Srinagar city alone. It is estimated that this population is now more than double. Do you believe sterilization is sufficient to deal with the current crisis?
Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has started the sterilization of dogs under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, and the data regarding the number of dogs being sterilized lies with them. Hopefully, very soon the changes will be visible on the ground. This is a humane and effective way to prevent unchecked reproduction and the subsequent increase in the number of strays. Neutering alone may not completely eliminate dog bites, but if done on a mass scale it will definitely reduce the competition and the subsequent aggressive behavior.
However, 100% sterilization of dogs is not recommended. Sterilizing every single dog would disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem and have unintended consequences.
Talk us through the potential health risks associated with stray dog bites?
Rabies is one of the most significant health concerns associated with dog bites. India accounts for about 36% of the world’s rabies deaths. Rabies is a kind of disease that is 100 percent preventable and 0 percent curable. Rabies virus is present in the saliva of the rabid animal and if such an animal bites and post bite vaccination schedule is not followed then there are chances of manifestation of rabies. The disease affects the central nervous system and is almost fatal once symptoms develop.
How important is vaccination of dogs in reducing the risk of rabies?
It is very important, both for the dogs themselves and for other animals or humans who may come into contact with them. That’s why the Animal Birth Control (ABC) is coupled with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) program to prevent rabies.
You received an international award for your pioneering work in rabies control. Tell us about it?
I was awarded by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) – a renowned US and UK based Alliance for Rabies Control – in recognition of my efforts towards rabies prevention in animals. The incidence of rabies in animals has been significantly reduced in Kashmir Valley through educating animal caregivers about strictly following both the prophylactic and post-bite anti-rabies vaccine schedule.
It’s worth mentioning that the Department of Animal Husbandry, Kashmir provides the anti-rabies vaccines on subsidized rates of around Rs 4.70, while in the market each dose can cost upto Rs 300. The Department has kept both prophylactic and post bite anti Rabies Vaccination available in all the districts of Kashmir valley so that each and every animal gets vaccinated at proper time.
Many feel that the rules of animal welfare law that prohibit killing and shifting of stray dogs from one place to another are worsening the stray dog problem. What do you feel about it?
Killing a dog, or for that matter, any animal, is not an alternative. It is not an ethical or effective solution to reduce dog bite cases. Plus, the shifting of dogs to other localities will only aggravate the problem. It will give rise to territorial conflicts and adjustment issues among dogs, which can further lead to humans getting bitten.
How often do you get to treat stray dogs in your hospital?
We witness approximately 150 to 200 cases on a daily basis, out of which nearly 30 are stray animals. People who are compassionate towards animals bring injured or sick stray dogs to the hospital for treatment. The Department has also kept provisions for providing free treatment to stray and destitute ownerless animals that are in desperate need of help and medical care.
Many non-governmental animal welfare organisations have come up in Kashmir in recent years. How do you see that with respect to the current crisis?
The emergence of animal welfare organisations that not only rescue but also rehabilitate injured and sick stray animals is undeniably a positive development. Among these organisations the pioneer ones are Kashmir Animal Welfare Foundation & Animal Rescue Kashmir. Both these organizations and other NGO’s rescue many stray cases on a daily basis and bring them to the Central Veterinary Hospital Srinagar for immediate treatment and surgical corrections. It shows that despite the challenges and hardships faced in the current crisis, there are individuals and groups who are committed to addressing issues related to animals with compassion.
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