Environment

Loving the Unconfined Canine

EVESCAPE NEWS FEATURES/GOA

Cruelty against animals, though widely prevalent, is a neglected issue in Goa -- thanks to the insensitivity of the government towards animals. Cruelty to animals is an offence – under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code – punishable with imprisonment and fine. There are also increasing incidents of intimidation faced by those who choose to take care of unconfined animals, even as such action is considered an offence under the Indian Penal Code (specifically, Section 503 of Indian Penal Code read with Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code 1860).

Thousands of stray dogs live on the streets of Goa. Street canine population is closely associated with municipal sanitation practices or neglect -- these unconfined dogs often survive by scavenging rubbish. Although they are widely feared for carrying rabies, most street dogs are not aggressive and will only bite if provoked. Unfortunately, fear and ignorance have led many citizens and officials to see street dogs as nothing but a nuisance and to seek eradication using inhumane methods such as poisoning and beating.

“When I observe stray dogs and the conditions in which they live and survive, I do my bit to help them, but I would certainly want to do more. In fact, I would like to help them all,” says Lata Nayak. While most of the population look at stray dogs as a menace and a threat, Lata is among the few who step up to help stray animals, particularly dogs in distress.

This Ponda based housewife is on a mission -- “Report abuse, don’t be a mute spectator to animal abuse. If you see someone hitting, beating or troubling a dog in any way, step in and object. Educate them instead,” she advocates. “Stray dogs have as much a right to live as we humans. They have feelings just like us and a right to live in peace. Cribbing about the issue, hating dogs, beating them up or dislocating them does not help anyone,” she adds. She is of the strong belief that the localities in which we live, belong to them, as much as to us. “In fact, they had existed in some areas even before humans moved there,” says Lata, whose passion for the welfare of animals is enormous.

Her work towards the cause started over a decade ago. At first, she looked after five dogs that lived in the vicinity of her building. But soon other dogs -- either abandoned by their owners or rescued by her started relying on her for food and care. Currently the number is 55. Her love of dogs has made some of her neighbors envious. Lata’s compassion for the unconfined canines often exposes her to the ire of ill-informed, ill-advised residents. On Dusshera day recently, Lata adopted three stray dogs from the locality whose lives were threatened by the builder, against whom; she has now waged a battle.

“Builders should rehabilitate the animals, especially stray dogs, appropriately before commencing work in the locality as such animals get displaced, causing nuisance,” she advocates even as she narrates the incident that led her to adopt the three. “We have been constantly facing intimidation and threats for feeding and caring for strays and fighting against cruelty meted out to them, for over a decade now. My husband had to resign as chairman of the housing society as the committee had resolved to relocate the stray dogs from the area. Some members threatened to kill them forcing me to contact Maneka Gandhi’s People for Animals, India organisation for help. They quickly responded and guided me on the rules and regulations. The team even wrote to the housing society and warned against them against any cruelty,” recalls Lata.

Her action was well founded. As per law, stray animals are to be dealt with through designated agencies. Law states that “all the problems of stray animals have to be handled within the institutional framework available and no resident association, recognized or unrecognized, can take recourse to action on their own, either themselves or through any person employed by them.”

Moreover, Lata adds, “Relocating dogs is illegal. While you may be irritated by the presence of too many street dogs in your locality, trying to find quick-fixes by picking them and dropping them in another location is not going to help. Dogs are territorial, so if you dumped one in some other locality, the dogs of that area are going to attack the newcomer, and the dislocated dog will become highly stressed. In this state of stress, he may bite the other dogs and humans as well. So, if someone got bitten by a dog in your locality, it might have been a similar case of dislocation,” she explains.

According to Lata, on Dusshera day, recently, the housing society members and the builder connived to kill three stray dogs living in the colony. “The situation was getting out of control. They threatened me of dire consequences if I stop them from harming the dogs. The builder was in no mood to adhere to the laws. As an urgent solution, I decided to adopt the three dogs. That I have managed to save their lives, I am now contemplating to take further action as per law,” informs Lata.

Despite the challenges, she has rescued a number of stray dogs in dire need of veterinary care. “I treat them with my own money,” says Lata who already spends a few thousand rupees a month to feed the strays some healthy meal of rice and chicken.

Don’t fight with the feeders, advices Rukma -- daughter of Lata who is also a animal lover. “One thing that I have observed and have faced myself on feeding rounds is that some residents come and confront us and often tell us to take the dogs’ home,” she reveals. Don’t beat, hit or kill them, she appeals. 

Several courts throughout the country, have observed that individuals and families who adopt stray animals are doing a great service to humanity as they are “acting in the aid and assistance of Municipal Authorities by providing these animals with food and shelter and also by getting them vaccinated and sterilized”. 

“A few isolated incidents of dog bites make people come out in arms against stray dogs. A dog does not bite unless provoked, sick or in pain. Stray dogs are indeed loyal and trustworthy, they protect the neighborhood where they live,” opines animal rights activist Ruvina D'silva.

Stray dogs are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and rules enacted under Section 38 of the act, particularly, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001; Indian Penal Code, sections 428 & 429 and Article 51A (g) of the Constitution. 

Despite such extensive laws, people go scot-free because bringing them to justice is a difficult task. In light of the recent events as highlighted by Lata, lawyer Sphurti Kothare enlists some of the important provisions in the law -- If caught feeding poisonous food, the person can be charged under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 that extends to the whole of India. Sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code and the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 make it illegal to maim or cause injury to any animal. It is also illegal for vehicles to purposefully injure dogs, cats, and cows on the street. If you are caught violating these laws, you can be reported to the local animal protection group and to the police. A case can be filed under the above mentioned sections as well. 

She advocates filing FIR against people who are cruel to animals or towards people who care for animals. “Filing an FIR in your local police station not only forces the officials to take action, but also helps in maintaining a record of repeat offenders for NGOs and other animal welfare groups,” informs the lawyer who calls for inclusion of animal welfare in school curricula, so that the future generation is well informed about animal rights.

Each one of us can step in, asserts Linda Shirwaiker. The solution lies in population control, and that is going to be a gradual process, she says. “It would be good if profiteers stopped breeding dogs solely for money, but until they do, economic incentives are going to lead a few people to continue the overpopulation of dogs,” opines the animal lover who is against unethical breeding widely prevalent in Goa. "If you are considering becoming a pet parent, adopt a unconfined canine. Pedigree puppies mostly suffer from some or the other health issue. Adopt a stray and change its life for the better,” she appeals. “They have better immunity and are intelligent,” opines the former central government officer who has adopted two stray dogs. 

Pics: Top: Lata Nayak feeding the dogs. Middle: Food for the strays/the three rescued canines at Lata's home. Bottom: Linda Shirwaikar with her two adopted stray dogs --Brownie and Rex.