Stray dogs hound residents of New Chandigarh society

Kritika Kanwar

Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 6

Residents of a residential society at New Chandigarh — Omaxe — are a harried lot due to the rising dog bite incidents on its premises. With 10 such cases reported in just a single phase of the society till now, there has been much hue and cry among residents with kids and the elderly being the worst sufferers.

A resident of Silver Birch apartments said, “The dog menace has become a morning walkers’ nightmare. We can’t step out without carrying sticks. The other day, a dog just came from behind and bit me on ankle. It’s been a month that the incident took place. I took up the matter with the facility plus office but they say they can’t relocate the dog.”

Residents are also divided over the issue of feeding stray dogs. Dog feeders cite laws that give them absolute right to give food to dogs inside the society. The other section of residents, mostly victims, says otherwise. “Giving stale food to dogs does not amount to social work. They have started attacking residents. Who is going to compensate for this loss? A single shot of the anti-rabies vaccine costs Rs500,” said an aggrieved resident.

A retired forest official residing in the society said, “There should be some designated spots for feeding of dogs. Dogs are scavengers and hence, do not depend on us for food.”

PK Gupta, president, RWA, said, “We have submitted written complaints to the facility management of the society to set up dog pounds outside the society to feed stray dogs.” Ankur Bakshi, who looks after the facility management, said, “We have roped in PETA over this issue. We have been taking initiatives to get the dogs sterilised. Dislocating stray dogs is against the laws.”