Locating strays to a new area. Makes them terrified don’t do this
The tragic death of an 8 year old in Morinda, Ropar district, is heartbreaking. Our sincere condolences to the family. Preventing such tragedies must be our collective priority.
Key observations and learnings:
• Locals informed the media that some dogs had reportedly been relocated into the area. Relocation merely shifts the problem elsewhere while causing stress and disorientation to the relocated animals as well as resident dogs & humans.
• Reports indicate that one of the dogs involved was a pet dog, underscoring the importance of responsible pet ownership, including supervision, vaccination, and sterilisation.
• Locals assisted authorities in catching dogs in the area by FEEDING THEM. Dogs that trust humans are easier to vaccinate, sterilise, and manage. Dogs that are fed are calmer. Cruelty and indiscriminate culling can drive dogs towards feral behaviour, making communities and wildlife less safe.
• News reports indicate that the town lacked sterilisation infrastructure and an ongoing ABC programme. Similar incidents across the country often occur in areas with zero or ineffective sterilisation and vaccination coverage.
• Long term safety comes from sustained ABC, anti rabies vaccination, waste management, responsible pet ownership, and accountable local governance, not retaliation after a tragedy.
Science, compassion, and accountability must guide our response if we truly wish to prevent future incidents.