Bengaluru's stray dogs

No country has as many stray dogs as India does. A census conducted by the department of animal husbandry and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (commonly known as BBMP) in 2007 found there were 1,83,758 stray dogs in Bangalore alone, which means that there is a stray dog for every 37 people in the city. The fact that there is no garbage management system is leading more stray dogs to roam around residential areas. According to BBMP, over 7,000 animal birth control surgeries are performed every month in the city. 

You don't need to look closely in order to realize that most dogs throughout the city have a little bite missing off either one or two of their ears. At first I thought the tip of their ears missing was just from territorial street fights of some sort, but I later on found out that ear clipping is part of the government's initiative in stray dog management. 

Most stray dogs in India are the local landrace and naturally selected breed of the sub-continent, known as the Indian pariah dog (not a derogatory term in the canine context), which is estimated to have existed for around 14,000 years or more. 

Dogs waiting to cross the road. Bengaluru, 2013.

I think I have roughly petted over 300 dogs throughout the country, so far. I recall meeting the four stray dogs on my street taking a while to accept me. They would stare at me, ignore me or even bark at me. Yet not once did I feel threatened by them, as they usually keep a distance. Stray dogs in Bengaluru have massive community presence, they are really territorial and they will not cross their neighborhood under any circumstance.

Mom with litter. Bengaluru, 2012.

Dogs' behavior tends to be predictable. However, there might be unpredictable reactions, particularly among stray dogs, depending on their personality, past history with humans and other circumstances. It's obvious that dogs that have been mistreated are more likely to be skittish and fearful, while others might be more approachable and friendly. I have a fairly long history of interaction with stray dogs in India and I have never felt in danger or threatened by them, but that's just my experience. Some dogs clearly state they do not want to be petted by ignoring or barking at you or simply by walking away. Yet the truth is that most of them seek affection and love and will follow you until they reach the (imaginary) delimitation of their territory; then they will simply walk back to their street. Stray dogs are almost always at the same spot and you will (most of the times) be able to see them again right at the same spot you encountered them. 

Sadly, stray dogs are subject to all sorts violence, injuries and threats. They are often run over by cars and trains or end up victims of (in)human(e) cruelty. There are also a number of parasites, infections such as scabies and diseases they might carry. Free-roaming rabid dogs  for instance,  bite millions of people annually across the country. 

Stray dog with scabies. Bengaluru, 2013.

I have very rarely seen anyone approaching a street dog, nobody seems to bother. Dog proliferation in India and particularly in big cities like Bengaluru is becoming a serious issue, and government administration policies are certainly not effective enough. Although they can be a potential threat for humans and specially children, let's not forget it's not their fault and they do not have the faculty to be able to control their own population, but we do.

Let's keep in mind these dogs deserve a chance and some affection. They have learned the toughness of living on the busy streets of India (and any other city for that matter). They boldly cross the street, trot off quickly just to sit down some feet away. At night they howl like a mandatory prayer and they often fight amongst each other. They are the most grateful dogs you can possibly ask for. Gently petting them on the head, giving them a few bread crumbs, calling them over...and a grateful gaze of hope. With time, I have developed a special bond with some stray dogs I have met along the way. I know where to find them. And I know they will run up to me and wag their tail as a sign of excitement. The happiness, I know, is mutual.

Street dog at a public park. Bengaluru, 2013.