Howls of protest over free rein for dogs in public places

Howls of protest over free rein for dogs in public places

Staff Reporter

Those whose neighbours have dogs better take care when they step out

— Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

PET PROBLEM: Another kind of menace dogs Bangaloreans now.

BANGALORE: As if stray dogs were not enough, many Bangaloreans are now facing problems from pet dog-owning neighbours who let their pooches relieve themselves anywhere they please — on roads, in front of other people’s homes and shops. In short, anywhere but their own premises.

This issue became a subject for argument between pet dog owners and others during the monthly meeting of some of the residents’ welfare associations.

While the residents who have to suffer the consequences of dog mess want the pet owners to desist from letting their pooches defecate in public places, the pet owners were reluctant to stop from using public place saying that “the areas in front of the gates of residential premises are public places and they are free to use them in any manner”.

Those who are up against this public nuisance argue that they are not fighting on the issue of prestige but it is a matter of serious health concern.

“We are not against pet dogs or their owners but we want them to care for others’ concern and public health,” says Lavanya of Fraser Town. “Neighbours tell me to mind my business whenever I see them taking out their canine for walk and encourage it to discharge waste on roadside or on grass,” she says disappointedly. Residents’ welfare associations are finding it difficult to solve this problem as many office-bearers themselves own pet dogs.

“Many a time even the sweepers of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) too hesitate to clean these waste,” points Ramakrishnan of J.P Nagar.

Litterateur Kamala Hampana points out that many pet dog owners pollute the environment early in the morning by encouraging their dogs to discharge waste in places surrounding parks.

The residents feel that the BBMP should come out with mandatory guidelines for pet owners compelling them to dispose of the waste scientifically and prohibiting discharge of pet waste in public places. There should be a provision in the law to levy heavy penalty on pet dog owners who encourage dogs to discharge waste at public places.

Radhamurthy, a resident of RBI Colony in R.T Nagar, says that the civic administration should enforce rules for pet owners to stop this menace.

“In many western countries it is mandatory to carry a bag when one takes his pet dog to public places and dispose of such wastes at designated places or in their homes,” points out Ms. Kamala Hampana. The residents also said that in many countries it is mandatory to tie a faeces collector on the dog’s body when moving with dog in public places.
Diseases

The officials of the Animal Husbandry Department admit that dog waste carry bacteria and parasites and can cause many diseases, particularly among the children who are likely to come in contact with it while playing at open spaces in front of their houses, near parks and playgrounds. Flies too spread the diseases from the dog waste and water bodies get contaminated when waste reaches these bodies through rainwater, they point out.

When contacted, the BBMP health officials said that they have received complaints from residents of many localities and the authorities are trying to evolve a public opinion on the issue along with measures for tackling stray dog menace.