Community dogs, local dogs, ‘gully dogs’ (the famous Indian term for community dogs) are a quintessential feature of Indian towns and cities. Gully’s, (for readers unfamiliar with the term) in India refer to narrow lanes and streets, in cities towns and neighbourhoods.
Who is a Gully Dog?
In Indian colloquial terms, a Gully Dog refers to street dogs or community dogs that roam freely in neighborhoods. The term “gully” literally means “narrow street” in Hindi and other Indian languages. These dogs are often associated with the bustling lanes and bylanes of towns and cities. Unlike pet dogs with owners, gully dogs typically live in the open, relying on scraps, kind-hearted locals, or volunteers for food and care. They’re a common sight near tea stalls, parks, or even lounging outside shops, embodying the spirit of resilience and adaptability.
How Many Gully Dogs Are There in India?
India is home to an estimated 62 million street dogs as of recent studies. These numbers fluctuate based on urbanization, spay-and-neuter programs, and the availability of food sources. The high number of gully dogs is largely attributed to the lack of strict animal birth control measures and urban sprawl, where food waste provides abundant resources for these dogs.
What Are Community Dogs?
Community dogs are street dogs that are actively cared for by residents of a particular area. These dogs often become unofficial mascots for neighborhoods. You’ll find them lounging in front of tea shops, escorting schoolchildren home, or snoozing on someone’s doorstep. They’re fed, vaccinated, and sometimes even given names by the locals. While they technically have no single owner, they thrive under the collective care of a community.
What is the Indian Pariah Dog?
The Indian Pariah Dog, also called the Indie Dog, is one of the oldest and purest dog breeds in the world. These dogs are native to India and are characterized by their:
- Medium-sized, lean but sturdy frame.
- Short coat in colors like tan, black, or a mix.
- Pointy ears and a curved tail.
Indian Pariah Dogs are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and low maintenance. While they are often mistaken for stray dogs, Pariah Dogs have been recognized as a distinct breed. In fact, many people now prefer adopting these hardy dogs over expensive pedigrees, especially for their robust health and loyalty.
What Are Stray Dogs?
The term stray dog is used more broadly to describe dogs that do not have owners or permanent homes. They may have been abandoned by previous owners or born on the streets. Unlike community dogs, stray dogs may not have a stable territory or consistent access to food and care. These dogs are often wary of humans and lead tougher lives, scavenging for survival. The term “stray dog” and Inidian Pariah are not interchangeable. A stray dog may be a breed, mixed breed or an abandoned Indian Pariah dog.
Why Gully Dogs Deserve Love
- Unmatched Loyalty: A gully dog that trusts you will become fiercely loyal, guarding you and your home. Ask women in a neighbourhood how many times the “local gully dog” has come to her rescue. The answer may surprise you!
- Street Smarts: These dogs are survivors. They’ve navigated through traffic, found food in the most unlikely places, and adapted to chaotic city life.
- Affordable Care: Compared to pedigree dogs, gully dogs are low-maintenance, rarely prone to genetic diseases, and resilient.
- Companionship: Adopt a gully dog, and you’ll have a lifelong friend who’ll remind you every day how love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
Fun Facts About Gully Dogs
They are natural “guardians of the gully” and will bark to alert locals about strangers. Some gully dogs form tight-knit packs, almost like a family, and help each other out. Many gully dogs have a keen sense of direction and can find their way back to their “home lane” even if taken far away.
Are There Groups and Volunteers Who Help?
Absolutely! India has a thriving network of animal lovers and organizations dedicated to the welfare of street dogs. Groups like People for Animals (PFA), The Blue Cross of India, The Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) and countless local NGOs and individuals work tirelessly to:
- Feed street dogs.
- Provide medical care, vaccinations, and sterilization.
- Rescue injured or abandoned animals.
- Educate communities on coexisting with street dogs.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) program is one such initiative to sterilize and vaccinate street dogs, helping control their population while ensuring they’re disease-free. Social media has also played a significant role in connecting volunteers and raising awareness about these unsung canine heroes.
Local Sentiments Towards Gully Dogs
The sentiment towards gully dogs in India is a mixed bag.
- The Good: Many people in India consider gully dogs part of the community. They provide scraps, leftover food, or even dedicate water bowls outside their homes during summer. Stories of people adopting these resilient canines and turning them into beloved family members are heartwarming.
- The Challenging: On the flip side, some people fear street dogs due to the risk of bites or rabies, especially in areas with dense dog populations. Complaints about dogs barking at night or chasing vehicles are common, leading to friction between animal lovers and others.
How You Can Help
- Adopt, Don’t Shop: Consider adopting a street dog instead of buying a pedigree.
- Support Sterilization Programs: Spay and neuter street dogs to control the population humanely.
- Be a Feeder: Even sharing a roti or some biscuits can mean the world to a hungry dog.
- Volunteer: Join local animal welfare groups to help organize feeding drives or vaccination camps.
- Spread Awareness: Educate others about the benefits of adopting Indian Pariah Dogs and coexisting with street dogs.
What purpose do Gully Dogs serve?
Gully dogs are more than just animals wandering the streets. They are survivors, companions, and sometimes even lifesavers. By embracing these resilient canines and supporting initiatives for their welfare, we can create communities where both humans and animals coexist in harmony.
So next time you see a wagging tail in your neighborhood, take a moment to say hello. You might just make a furry friend for life! India’s street dogs are a force of nature and have detractors and defenders, making their woofs and voices heard on issues related to their right to life and care, even in the Supreme court of India.
