No system to tackle the menace in villages

LUCKNOW: Who is responsible for curbing the rise of feral dog attacks in villages? This is the question discussed most among administrative officials in Sitapur following a spate of attacks by feral dogs on children.

At least 13 children have been killed in Sitapur by feral dogs since last November. With every killing, the question becomes more imperative.

Considering that the affected areas lie close to the forest, the onus was first put on the forest department. Forest officials initially declined to help stating “Dogs are not wild animals.” The police couldn’t do much because they are simply not trained to locate, chase and capture dogs. Administrative officials too lack on-field experience in dealing with dogs.

“Help was finally sought from the local municipality to handle the menace. But this proved ineffective because they have experience in handling dogs in urban or semi-urban areas, not villages with no roads or man-made barriers like buildings,” said Sitapur sub divisional magistrate (SDM) PK Awasthi, who is overseeing the ongoing operation to capture and sterilize feral dogs.

“Though we have cordial inter-departmental coordination, the precariousness of the situation makes it difficult to appoint the right person at the right place,” Awasthi added.

Officials were forced to solve this problem on the go as dogs continued their attacks. While the Sitapur administration, from Monday, has deployed personnel from all departments to curb the dog menace, only time will tell about the drive’s effectiveness.