Citizen Connect: Fed by garbage, street dog menace grows in Ramapuram, say residents

Due to overflowing garbage bins and a large number of roadside food stalls, the number of street dogs in Ramapuram is increasing steadily, leaving many local residents restless about stepping out of their homes.

“The dogs chase motorists coming along these roads on two-wheelers and cars, especially during the night hours. Many people have fallen down from their two-wheelers and suffered injuries because of this,” said Arivazhagan, a member of Ramapuram Samuga Nalam Federation. “Residents have raised this issue in our civic meetings several times but we have so far been unable to find a solution,” he added.

As per the Animal Birth Control rules, removal stray dogs from the place they were born is deemed illegal. However, they can be sterilised – often by non-government organisations – so that their numbers do not multiply. “We called an NGO to sterilise them once and they did so for the male ones. But the breeding is continuing as it was not possible to catch and sterilise all the dogs,” said Arivazhagan.

Krishna (17), a worker at a kebab fast food shop said, “I used to feed leftovers to the dogs every day. But after the number of dogs kept increasing, I stopped it, as they started fighting among themselves. Now, they run after me every time I close the shop and leave for home. I made a mistake, I should not have fed them in the first place.”

“I love dogs and it’s depressing to see so many out there lying in the increasing heat. I can leave out water for one or two dogs, but it would be best if some NGO gives these dogs a shelter with regular food and care,” said Abdul, a resident.

Corporation officials declined to comment on the issue when contacted.