Pune dog feeders help PMC by organizing sterilization programmes
Image for representational purpose only
For the past few years, a resident of Aundh has been cutting corners with her monthly budget to feed over 70 stray dogs in Khadki, where she used to live. To avoid a mess, she prepares 3 kg of rice and 2 kg of chicken into a broth every day and serves it in bowls along the sides of the road. She has assisted in the sterilization of more than 200 local dogs to date.
The feeder is a member of a growing group of feeders in the city who identifies volunteers who are also animal lovers and can help to lower the number of stray dogs.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Dr Sarika Funde, Veterinary Superintendent, PMC, said “Dog feeders can feed stray dogs anywhere & anytime they want to. The dog feeders must also look whether the stray dogs are sterilized & vaccinated or not. They must also reach out to the PMC & participate in the ABC (Animal Birth Control) programme & ensure that the dogs are sterilized & vaccinated as sterilization will help in population reduction of stray dogs.”
In just five years, the number of stray dogs in the civic limits has decreased by 43%, from 3,15,000 in 2018 to 1,79,940 in 2023. The information became public when PMC commissioned a study to assess the population of dogs that are allowed to roam freely and examine the incidence of canine rabies over a five-year period. Currently, one stray dog is thought to exist for every 17 residents. Municipal officials emphasized the value of citizens’ efforts in controlling the stray population.
Another Feeder from NIBM road informed that I have been taking this initiative for a long time. But I also ensure that the animals are vaccinated, and also put up for adoptions so that
There is frequent conflict in the city between those who feed the strays and residents who dislike having dogs in their area because they fear attacks, bites, or an increase in the number of dogs in the area.
A couple feeds dogs in front of my cafe, according to one of these cafe owners. After placing food on the newspapers on the sidewalk, they depart. The whole area is covered in litter, with food particles everywhere and being trodden on. The food rots and releases an odour that draws flies. Simply because people don’t walk on this side of the sidewalk, they are losing business.
A resident of Undri complained that there are dog lovers and pet owners who feed strays in the vicinity. Often these dogs chase vehicles and many bikers have met with severe accidents trying to avoid attack. Animals natural instinct of finding the right food is getting compromised because of this feeding.
Animal advocates stressed the importance of feeding animals responsibly. An animal lover stated that the Animal Welfare Board of India has rules and regulations in place. Feeders have an obligation to clean up after themselves. Be aware of the circumstances by outlining the objectives, keeping things tidy, and teaching others about aggression, sterilization, and other topics.
