India is grappling with the major challenge of approximately 60 million stray dogs that attack countless people each year. These canines pose a threat not only to individuals in public spaces but also to our health, environment, and road safety. However, removing them from streets and cities might trigger a 'Vacuum Effect.'
What is the Vacuum Effect?
The Vacuum Effect occurs when stray dogs are removed from an area, only to be replaced by new dogs attracted by available food sources (waste) and empty spaces. It's crucial to emphasize that merely removing dogs is insufficient unless waste management and food sources are controlled.
Also consider: Is Supreme Court's stringent approach to stray dogs feasible? Discover the opposition from dog lovers.
Source: aajtak
The Increasing Threat of Stray Dogs
According to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), India houses an estimated 60 million stray dogs. These ownerless street dogs bite millions annually, sometimes resulting in fatalities. Rabies, spread by dog bites, claims over 20,000 lives yearly, giving India the unfortunate title of rabies capital.
Besides, these dogs harm wildlife, are a major cause of road accidents, and disrupt street cleanliness, leading to a rise in disease-carrying pests.
Learn more: Why do pet lovers oppose SC's mandate to send dogs to shelter homes?
Government Policies: Are They Effective?
Initially, state municipal laws and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, permitted the humane relocation or euthanasia of stray dogs. In 2001, the Ministry of Culture introduced the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, updated by the Department of Animal Husbandry in 2023. These rules aim for dog sterilization and vaccination, yet they lack a robust public health connection, thus reducing policy efficacy.
Source: aajtak
The AWBI's documentation of ABC rules contains contentious opinions and downplays the drawbacks of stray dogs while blaming people for incidents.
Alan Beck's book "The Ecology of Stray Dogs" notes that stray dogs spread waste, slowing cleanup processes and providing food for pests, yet animal rights groups see them as waste and pest control tools. The disease risk and increased mortality they pose to humans are often overlooked.
International Guidelines
Globally, the first step to managing stray animals and pests is eliminating food sources. Yet, the AWBI encourages feeding dogs in public spaces, turning a health and safety issue into a policy that inadvertently promotes dogs.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies dog waste as a toxic pollutant. The waste from just 100 dogs over 2-3 days can close water sources within a 20-mile radius. In India, 60 million stray dogs dump about 30,000 tons of toxic waste daily, a major disease vector.
Impacts and Benefits of Removing Stray Dogs
Removing stray dogs from cities and streets offers numerous benefits, but understanding its effects is essential...
Impact
Vacuum Effect Risk: Without eliminating waste and food sources, new dogs may fill the void. Effective waste management is crucial.
Initial Opposition: Animal rights groups and some people may resist, causing social tensions.
Cost: Significant investment is needed for dog sterilization, vaccination, and rehabilitation.
Source: aajtak
Benefits
Public Health Improvement: Reducing dog bites and rabies cases will enhance safety for millions.
Road Safety: Fewer road accidents as dog presence on roads decreases.
Environmental Protection: Less wildlife disturbance and removal of daily 30,000 tons of toxic waste from streets, protecting water and soil.
Urban Cleanliness: Less trash-spreading and fewer disease-carrying pests.
Economic Gains: Lower accident and disease treatment costs and boosted tourism.
Dog Welfare: Stray dogs, like pets, deserve safe shelters and care rather than a life of hunger and disease on streets.
