In recent times, the problem of stray animals, especially the ever-increasing number of stray dogs, has become a hot topic of discussion. It is one of the major problems associated with urbanization. In fact, it is a challenge for the entire country. The unbridled increase in the number of stray dogs is posing a threat to public health and safety. There are many reports in which these dogs attack small children or the elderly, and sometimes even lead to death.
Stray animals are those who do not have any proper arrangement for living or upbringing. They are seen wandering in the streets, mohallas or vacant places every day. They fall prey to starvation, diseases, fear and atrocities every day. This problem is even more serious for densely populated cities like Delhi.
According to an estimate, there are about one crore stray dogs here. Recently, the Hon'ble Supreme Court has issued an order directing the government to catch all stray dogs, vaccinate them, sterilize them and keep them in designated shelters. The concerned authorities have been asked to ensure that these dogs do not return to public places. Mixed reactions of people are being seen and heard about these orders.
According to the data available in India, about 37 lakh people are injured due to dog bites every year. In some cases, humans also die due to negligence. Due to the religious beliefs prevalent in our country, controlling their population is a difficult task. If we talk about western countries, then this problem is not a serious issue there. Netherlands is a country where the number of stray dogs has been reduced to zero through the CNVR policy. CNVR means - Collect, Sterilize, Vaccinate and (release back).
This country has strict laws about leaving pets in the open. In some countries, such programs are also made under which common people adopt these animals as pets and take the responsibility of their complete care. But in our country, people consider it a virtuous act to feed them or support them temporarily, but no one dares to become their successor permanently.
India is a country that has been following the principles of non-violence for a long time. The basis of the ideology of the people here is "live and let live". The tendency of kindness, mercy and attachment towards animals is a part of our nature. Dogs have been a part of our society and environment for centuries, playing various roles like our companion, protector and helper.
Even during the British rule, many types of schemes were adopted to control the population of stray dogs, which mainly included mass poisoning and killing. This practice continued for many years even after independence. These methods have always been opposed by the local people.
As people's sensitivity towards these animals has increased, awareness about their existence and rights has also increased. Today, even though everyone wants a solution to the problem of stray animals, especially street dogs, they advocate a gentle solution out of compassion for them. Animal lovers have their own logic. They believe that even if a dog bites someone, the rabies virus transmitted by its saliva is a very weak germ, which is eliminated by simply washing the wound with soap.
Displacing these animals from their living places is an atrocity against them. If they are caught from the streets and alleys and kept in government shelters, their lives will be in danger. They will fight among themselves and die. How their proper care will be ensured is also a question. Anyway, whatever the government does, it will be under a proper plan.

—Davinder Kumar