Feed, but Responsibly
We live in an ecosystem in which stray animals have their own part to play. And the idea of not wanting to ‘co-exist’ with another species is alarming. The first step to peacefully coexist is to stop cruelty towards animals since dogs are most often at the receiving end of human cruelty. Another easy way to peacefully coexist with stray animals is by feeding them. However, just feeding them does not make one a responsible animal lover. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) rules stresses that dogs should not be herded into one place for feeding, as they are deeply territorial by nature and would end up fighting and biting each other to get the food. This could endanger the nearby humans as well. This means dogs should not be fed on public footpaths and roads, or in playgrounds frequented by children. Feeding of dogs can take place at areas designated by AWBI such as a person’s private entrance.