Dogs do not bite without a reason. People do- dogs do not. They warn repeatedly - request human beings to stay away and when all else fails - they bite.
The term Rabid is being liberally sprinkled in conversation online, in print and person. It is being used to conjure fear and ensure an atmosphere of distrust and animosity between two groups of people stays alive and well fuelled. The divide here is not anti or pro canine, rather it is between science and fear.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease transmitted through the bite or scratch of a mammal.
Any mammal- for those who need a list
Cats,
Horses,
Cows,
Monkeys,
Buffaloes,
Rats,
Racoons,
Skunks,
Foxes
The list is not exhaustive, but makes clear that dogs are not the only carries of rabies. What they are is the most visible and easy target in an urban setting. India has pro and anti dog enthusiasts or as they have been labelled activists.
Activists - an intentionally misleading label which conjuring images of zealots and slogan shouting individuals with little or no intelligent thought behind their actions - in reality it is the opposite, genuine activists are deeply committed to a cause and ensure both sides of the argument are considered.
Keep in mind when you are presented with stories of dogs biting an adult person on their hand/arm - the person would probably be bending down, with their hand/ arm at the same height of the dogs mouth. This is not a natural standing position for a human being.
When "pet owners' advocate to rid the roads of stray dogs- ask them if they bought or adopted their dog. Back yard breeders are notorious globally for abandoning dogs once their breeding life is complete.
Ask mega construction sites the length and breadth of India to undertake the sterilisation of stray dogs at their sites. Migrant workers - some of the kindest, empathic people feed site dogs and the dogs stay. Once the site is completed, the workers have no choice but to move on.
It is incumbent on the redevelopment brigade to ensure these dogs are vaccinated and sterilised and they are humanely included in the new community. Because these are now community animals.
A dog suspected of rabies, is not killed / put down- it is held for observation. The true menace here are reports which creating unnecessary panic. Instead of responsible reporting and educating public opinion, the press resort to sensationalism.
TERMS:
Zoonotic disease- which means it transfers from an animal to a human being.
Sources & Citations
https://www.vin.com/ Rabies Testing: Things Better Left Unsaid, Tony Johnson, DVM, DACVECC Published: December 03, 2012
