In India, street dogs play a significant role in the urban ecosystem. They are often seen as part of the community, even though they may not have individual owners. These dogs search for food, guard territories, and interact with humans and other animals in their environment. Despite their resilience and adaptability, street dogs face numerous challenges that can impact their health and well-being.

Street dogs are exposed to various risks such as malnutrition, diseases, accidents, and cruelty from humans. Lack of proper healthcare, including vaccinations and spaying/neutering programs, contributes to the spread of illnesses among these animals. Let's find out how we can care for these street dogs and make them feel safe around us.

Know your Indian dog breed

The Indian Pariah Dog, also known as the Indian native dog or Desi Kutta, is easily trainable and often used as a guard dog and police dog due to its territorial and defensive nature. It is a medium-sized dog with a square to slightly rectangular build, short coat, and erect ears. 

The most commonly observed colors are browns ranging from dark to reddish-brown, with or without white markings. The head is wedge-shaped with a pointed muzzle, and the tail is curled and held high when excited. Indian Pariah Dogs make for loving family pets and are great with kids and adults. 

They are high on energy and complement kids with an active lifestyle. They need good socializing as pups and do well with families if provided with such socialization. Being naturally evolved, they have very few health concerns and thrive with minimal maintenance in suitable climates.

How can you adequately feed street dogs?

Be Responsible

When feeding street dogs, it is crucial to be both compassionate and responsible. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Avoid causing conflicts with others or problems with residents
• Feed the dogs at a fixed spot away from residential areas
• Provide food once a day, except for special cases like pregnant or sick dogs
• Feed different packs of dogs separately to prevent territorial fights

Focus on What You Are Feeding Them

The nutritional value of the food you provide is essential. You can consider these options:

• Non-vegetarian: Eggs, boiled chicken, dog food, and certain fishes like Salmon
• Vegetarian: Chapati, rice, cornflakes, milk (in moderation), biscuits, vegetables, and fruits
• Vegan: Rice milk, coconut milk, soya alternatives

Choose the Right Spot

Select a calm and quiet place for feeding strays where you can feed them consistently without disruptions.

Understand Pack Mentality

Be aware of animal packs in your area to avoid conflicts between different groups of animals.

Be Calm and Still

Approach feeding street dogs calmly and avoid sudden movements that may startle or excite them.

Rescue Initiatives for the Street Dogs in India

Street dog rescue in India plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of stray dogs that roam the streets and face numerous challenges. These dogs often suffer from malnutrition, diseases, injuries, and abuse. Rescue organizations work tirelessly to provide medical care, shelter, and rehabilitation to these animals.

 By rescuing street dogs, these organizations not only improve the lives of individual animals but also contribute to public health and safety. Stray dogs can pose a risk of spreading diseases such as rabies, which is a significant concern in many parts of India. Through rescue efforts, these dogs can be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and eventually adopted into loving homes.

Furthermore, street dog rescue initiatives help raise awareness about animal welfare issues in India. By highlighting the plight of stray dogs and the importance of responsible pet ownership, these organizations educate the public and promote compassion towards animals. In addition to rescuing and rehoming street dogs, many rescue groups also engage in community outreach programs that offer free sterilization services, vaccination drives, and educational workshops. These efforts not only benefit the animals themselves but also foster a culture of empathy and respect for all living beings in Indian society.

India’s Top Animal Rescue and Welfare NGOs

Animal welfare in India has gained significant attention in recent years, leading to the establishment of numerous animal shelters and rescue organizations. Here are five top animal rescue and welfare NGOs in India:

People For Animals (PFA)

With a strong network of hospitals and units across India, PFA is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating needy animals through emergency shelters, ambulance services, sterilization programs, treatment camps, and disaster relief missions. The organization also patrols highways to prevent animal overloading and smuggling for slaughter. 

Contact Details: email@email.com, +91 - 11 23719293/94, HQ: People For Animals, 14 Ashoka Road, Jantar Mantar Road, New Delhi 110001.

Dharamsala Animal Rescue (DAR)

Founded by Deb Jarrett, DAR aims to improve the lives of street dogs and provide employment opportunities for women in Dharamsala, India. The organization runs spaying and neutering programs, education and awareness campaigns, and provides veterinary care to reduce the number of stray dogs on the streets. 

Contact Details: email@email.com, +91 98828 58631, Slate Godam Road, VPO Rakkar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057.

Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA)

Founded by Crystal Rogers in 1991, CUPA operates five independent shelters throughout Bangalore that take care of Animal Birth Control (ABC), trauma & rescue, adoption & foster care, geriatric care, large animal rehabilitation a fully-equipped pet care clinic, and additional activities such as pet cruelty inspections and advocacy. It is also an active Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. 

Contact Details: email@email.com, +91 9845425678, Kensington Apartments, Flat A-3, First Floor, 18/1 Ulsoor Cross Road Off Bazaar Street Ulsoor Bangalore 560 008 Karnataka India.

Animal Rescue & Shelter Foundation (ARSF)

ARSF is a Mumbai-based NGO that works to rescue and shelter animals in need with a focus on homeless and sick animals while operating a health clinic for animals and offering adoption services to help find forever homes for rescued animals. ARSF also runs outreach programs to help the city’s homeless population with food and water necessities.

Contact Details: email@email.com, +91 9820277824 , +91 9820277804 Address: 8-A Building R-3 MMRDA COLONY Andheri East Mumbai-400093 India

Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre (SGACC)

Founded in 1980 by Mrs Ruth Cowell of New South Wales under Maneka Gandhi’s patronage SGACC is one of Delhi’s largest animal shelters with an inpatient department outpatient department operating room intensive care unit laboratory animal cemetery collaboration with law enforcement for confiscated animals three times weekly adoption stall shopping mall placement over 2000 Indian puppies loving homes pioneering facility named after Sanjay Gandhi. 

Contact Details: email@email.com, Phone: 011-2544-8062 Address: Road No 77 Punjabi Bagh Delhi India

Precautions and Awareness for Street Dog Bites

Street dog bites can pose a significant risk as these dogs may not have received proper vaccinations or medical care. To prevent street dog bites and raise awareness, here are some precautions and steps individuals can take:

• Avoid Provoking Street Dogs: It’s essential to avoid provoking or startling street dogs as they may perceive it as a threat and bite in self-defense. Respect their space and try to maintain a safe distance

• Do Not Approach Unknown Dogs: Street dogs, especially those that appear aggressive or fearful, should not be approached. If a street dog approaches you, remain calm and avoid sudden movements

• Report Aggressive Street Dogs: If you encounter aggressive or sick-looking street dogs in your neighborhood, report them to local animal control authorities or animal welfare organizations for appropriate action

• Seek Medical Attention Promptly: In the unfortunate event of a street dog bite, seek medical attention immediately. Thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water and visit a healthcare provider for evaluation and potential treatment, including rabies prophylaxis if necessary

• Raise Community Awareness: Organize community workshops or awareness campaigns to educate residents about street dog bite prevention, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of reporting stray animals to authorities

• Support Local Animal Welfare Organizations: Support local initiatives that focus on sterilization, vaccination, and care for street dogs to reduce the incidence of bites and improve overall animal welfare in the community

By following these precautions and promoting awareness about street dog bites, individuals can contribute to creating safer environments for both humans and animals in their communities.

What should you do if a street dog bites you?

If you have been bitten by a street dog, it is crucial to take the following steps

• Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound.
• Place a clean towel over the injury to stop any bleeding.
• Keep the injured area elevated if possible.

Seek Medical Attention

You have to visit a doctor or an animal bite clinic immediately, especially if the wound is deep, bleeding persistently, or located on the hands, face, head, neck, or feet.

Doctors will assess the need for rabies prophylaxis based on the exposure and vaccination status of the dog.

Rabies Vaccination

It is essential to discuss with healthcare professionals about receiving a rabies vaccine after a dog bite from a street dog. Post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies is most effective when initiated promptly. For more details, you can check our blog on Rabies treatment for more detailed information.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Monitor the bite wound for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth around the bite area, or pus formation
• Follow any additional instructions provided by healthcare providers regarding wound care and potential complications
• Remember that prompt medical attention is crucial after a street dog bite to prevent infections and ensure proper treatment

Conclusion

In conclusion, the care and management of street dogs in India are not just matters of compassion but also of public responsibility. These animals, once domesticated, now roam the streets facing numerous challenges such as malnutrition, diseases, and harsh weather conditions. By promoting responsible pet ownership, implementing sustainable population control measures beyond just sterilization programs, and fostering a culture of empathy towards these animals, India can create a safer and more humane environment for both humans and street dogs. Individuals, communities, authorities, and organizations must work together toward creating a society where every dog has a chance at a safe and loving home.