Dog days in Hyderabad

Indian dogs suffer appalling cruelty on the streets while expensive foreign breeds in urban homes live in air-conditioned rooms. Those who adopt the ‘phoren’ breed then complain of stray dog problems. Why this double standard?

When man came out of the forest, dog followed him. While all other creatures were sceptical of the crafty biped, the dog’s trust in him was total and unconditional. The association continues into the 21st century.

But (here’s the billion dollar question) has man repaid the trust? Not by a long shot. His love for the animal has been discriminatory at best — dividing the poor animal into unfair categories as stray, low pedigree, exotic breed, high IQ, low IQ and what not. As if this were not bad enough, man began cross breeding the animal and even forced it to behave like a human! So we have the mountain terrier languishing in a 5×5 cage, cattle dog lying indolent on the veranda and a Chow Chow dozing its days off in a 10th floor apartment.

Today, every city in India is infested with the street dog menace or shelterless dogs that pose a danger to public health. More tragic is the fact that the solution to this problem is very much in the hands of man and yet he does not heed it. Animal lovers point out that if one out of every five Indians adopts one Indian dog, the stray dog issue will be solved forever. Instead, an overwhelming majority of urban Indians rear expensive, overseas breeds while the ethnic dogs go around suffering hunger, torture and insult on the streets.

The problem is more accentuated in Hyderabad where every gated house seems to prefer a foreign breed to a local variety, and consequently, the street dog population is growing at an alarming pace. In 2010, Hyderabad is estimated to have had 3.5 lakh street dogs as against 1.5 lakh in 2000. In other words if even one out of 4,000 people in the City adopt one street dog or a puppy the scourge of stray dog problem could be worked out in Hyderabad.

The only other care we must take is to ensure prompt disposal of solid waste (not dumping garbage but setting up treatment plants) because growth of street dogs and pests are directly proportional to the growth of rotting dumps.

However, Dr Pandurangan, a leading veterinarian attached to Raseell Aluwalia Dog Sanctuary, says people are now waking up to the reality that Indian dogs have distinct advantages over the exotic breeds. “Some 32 to 40 per cent of my clients rear Indian varieties. They have a better immunity, fewer dermatological problem and are more affectionate.” Then, why do people still opt for foreign breeds?

“Fashion. There are two types of dog owners — one for fashion and the other for passion. It’s the passionate that don’t go by pedigree. For many an expensive but ill-suited foreign breed is an addendum to the riches like an expensive car, a mansion, and antiques.” Dr Rangan says the City ought to have an electric crematorium for dogs. “Abandoning the pet in its old age is the cruelest thing one does.”

Dr Rashid Koker, a veterinarian and animal lover, put it more bluntly, “I subscribe to the view that when you rear an expensive foreign breed you are guarding it, when you rear an Indian dog it guards you.”

Need to say what the wise will choose? “My Diana,” says Shalini Talwar, an architect in Kondapur, “was taken off the street two years ago. I found this white cutie at my doorsteps one day. Well, if she has come calling, so am I ready for her, I thought. She is part of my family today.”

The GHMC has five pounds and has schemes for adoption. Chief Veterinary Officer Venkateshswar Reddy swears culling is not done now. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) too advocate rearing ethnic variety. “Indian community dogs are loving, fiercely loyal, resilient and robust and are also well-suited to the local climate. When you adopt one from a shelter, not only will you save a life, you’ll also make a friend for life. So take Trisha’s advice by pledging to adopt one!” says PETA launching cine star Trisha-led campaign for adopting the Indian dog. Silently setting another example, leading actress Priyamani has adopted eight street dogs.

What makes a dog the best companion

1. They are always happy to see you.
2. They do not judge you by your success at work.
3. They are satisfied with whatever food you give them.
4. They do not expect you to remember their birthdays.
5. They will forgive you for playing with other dogs.
6. They will not complain if you are not properly dressed.
7. They give you unconditional love and service.
8. They will not judge you by your looks or abilities.

Why the Indian dog

1. Better suited to Indian climate and conditions.
2. Usually short haired, hence easy to maintain.
3. More affectionate and alert.
4. Longer lived than large breeds such as Great Danes, Dalmatians and Mastiffs.
5. Higher level of immunity to canine diseases.

(Courtesy: Blue Cross Hyderabad)