Why Many Residents Are Hanging Red Bottles Outside Their Homes to Ward Off Stray Dogs
Why Many Residents Are Hanging Red Bottles Outside Their Homes to Ward Off Stray Dogs
Locals experiment with colour-filled bottles to deter stray dogs, but experts question the science behind it.
In several districts of Maharashtra, residents have adopted a curious method to keep stray dogs away: hanging plastic bottles filled with red or indigo liquid outside their homes and on parked vehicles. The trend has spread across multiple neighbourhoods.
The practice has gained traction amid growing fear of dog attacks, especially among morning walkers and late-night commuters. Locals say the canines not only bark incessantly at night but also damage cars by scratching bonnets and dirtying them.
A pharmacy shop owner explained, “We mix food colour to prepare red or indigo liquid. This has been tried for about a month now, and it seems to be working.” Residents believe the bright colours irritate the dogs’ eyes, discouraging them from entering those areas.
Veterinary officials, however, remain sceptical. One local vet said, “Some societies are indeed using bottles of coloured water to scare dogs, but there is no scientific evidence that this works. Animals are not ‘allergic’ to the red colour as is being claimed.”
Experts point out that dogs have dichromatic vision, meaning they see colours differently from humans. What appears as bright red to us registers as a dull yellowish-brown shade to dogs, while they perceive blue more distinctly. This casts doubt on whether the bottles truly deter them or whether it is more of a psychological comfort for residents.
The idea itself is not new. Similar practices have been observed in Kerala, Odisha, Vadodara, and Kolkata, where households place red or blue bottles filled with liquid to discourage strays. Online forums even discuss a “Ujala theory,” where blue-tinted bottles are used in some regions.
Despite scientific doubts, many residents say they have found some relief from the nuisance, prompting others to adopt the practice. Stray dog attacks remain a serious concern across India.
