Guardians of the gully

Why street dogs are not a menace, but the city's silent protectors

- Minal Sancheti

Recently, we saw how the government decided to remove the stray dogs from the streets of Delhi and relocate them to a shelter. Enraged activists came out to defend their voiceless furry friends. The reason why the government decided to take the action was an increase in the number of attacks by the dogs. However, the solution provided by them didn't seem to be an apt one. Dog behaviourists explain how the city is actually safer due to the stray dogs.

Abodh Aras, the CEO of Welfare of Street Dogs, says, "Street animals are very much a part of the urban landscape of any city. We seem to have forgotten that they are pets of street dwellers, people who live in communities, hawkers, policemen, security guards and shopkeepers. In a busy and stressful city like Mumbai, they give solace to all these people and thus they keep them as pets (though free roaming but community animals) for the companionship, security and love. Many years ago, a police officer had told me that there are fewer robberies in areas with street dogs. They also maintain an urban ecological balance, keeping rodents at bay."