Yet, the homeowner who feeds these dogs takes no responsibility should a person get chased or attacked at night.Ī strong argument can therefore be made that the presence of these dogs interferes with a constitutionally guaranteed right to free movement and that no one should have to face dangers from animals on the street while going about their daily business.įrom an animal welfare perspective, most of these dogs receive very little else other than food - they don’t get vaccinated nor are sterilised. However, they will bark and chase any passer-by, be they morning joggers or someone returning home late at night. These dogs are meant to keep streets safe from strangers we are told. The “streeties”, the “Indies”, the ones who are fed leftovers on the street, the ones who “enjoy” a free life, coming and going as they choose, forming alliances and barking through the night to ward off intruding packs. Their own pet dogs (often pure breeds), are kept indoors and walked on a leash, but outside their houses you will see the children of the lesser dogs. Many of them even carry certificates as “Colony Animal Caretakers” issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).Ī third category of dog feeder is the private home owner (or college hosteller). They become de facto carers of these dogs - preparing home-cooked meals, investing substantial amounts of their earnings, driving around neighbourhoods (sometimes late at night) and very occasionally, even doing the right thing by making sure the dogs are vaccinated and sterilised. Others take feeding dogs more seriously, with almost karmic devotion. The dog has received a little bit of food, maybe even an affectionate pat and the human goes away having done her / his good deed for the day. A packet of glucose biscuits, or a bun is gratuitously offered and the transaction is done.
The “regulars” show up, and waiting for them are wagging tails and loving licks. This scene is repeated in neighbourhood after neighbourhood, outside every chai stall or corner bakery. And, dogs, having evolved to elicit exactly this response, become dependent on these handouts. Hence, most give in and throw a few scraps of food, or a packet of biscuits. How do I get the dog to go away?” asked Divya (Name changed), who lives in Jakkur layout, Bangalore.įew people can resist those puppy eyes, the upward raised eyebrows and the wagging tail. My son feeds him a little bit now and then. “You know, there’s a little dog that has started sitting outside our door.
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