VISAKHAPATNAM: A fast multiplying dog population and the failure of GVMC to contain the menace are giving nightmares to Port City denizens. The dog population is multiplying fivefold every year and at this rate, they will outnumber human population in the city by 2020, quipped an irate Vizagite.
Packs of dogs have been roaming the streets of Vizag and it is night travellers who bear the brunt. People who walk home after work at night complain of being attacked by dogs, while motorists are being chased.
Recently on Kanuma, a family of three including an 8-year-old on a bike fell down and sustained injuries after being chased by dogs in Simhachalam area. On New Year’s eve, a youth who was trying to escape a pack of chasing dogs on his bike met with an accident and sustained grievous injuries. In November, street dogs mauled a four-year-old boy.
But there have been no steps to contain the menace. While denizens blame the GVMC, the authorities are expressing helplessness as any step to catch stray dogs invites the wrath of a few NGOs. The situation has deteriorated to such levels that officials are afraid to attend panic calls of dog menace.
“If we catch dogs, NGOs approach the court and the judiciary will take us to task. The Animal Welfare Board of India and Supreme Court have issued strict guidelines and we are bound to follow them,” said an official.
Disgusted with the menace and concerned over the safety of kids who head to school, some residents tried to do away with the dogs. But animal rights activists implicated them in cases.