Dwarka: Golf link residency residents raise stray dog menace

Incidents of conflict between residents and dogs have often come under headlines recently. Under similar lines, residents of Golf links residency, sector 18 are raising stray dog menace on society premises. They say that the number of dogs has increased each year and allege a recent spike in cases of dogs charging at residents. RWA and residents demand immediate regulation by civic bodies on the matter.

"My son was bitten by a dog six months back. He is scared of going down alone now," says Dr Shweta Sharma, a resident of Golf links residency. Residents of the society are now living under a grip of fear. They allege that they're compelled to carry a stick every evening while walking in common area spaces.

Ashoak Kaushik, RWA President, Golf links residency, says that there are about 60 to 70 dogs of which nearly 10 have turned violent. According to him, 70 to 80 dog bite/charging cases have taken place in society in the last two years.

He says, “We want MCD to take necessary action soon. At least they can sterilize all dogs and remove the violent strays. We also want them to fix places for feeding stray dogs.”

Dr Sumit Dookia, a resident of the society who is also a professor of Environment Studies at IP University, Dwarka Campus alleges that one or two cases of dog bites are reported every month.

Moreover, several society residents have alleged that despite regular complaints, no concrete steps have been taken by public authorities. Residents shared documents and correspondence they did last year with authorities (MCD / AWBI ) on the issue.

Vikram Singh Negi, a resident and father of Shivam Singh Negi whose school-going son was attacked by a stray dog a few months back says, "For the last year, we have complained to MCD through various mediums such as SDMC311, DDA311, MCD311, Mails, chats, and through social media repeatedly. Once, after these please, they send a van which stands for a few hours in the society for a day and that’s it. They later say they could not catch the dogs."

He adds, "No one in MCD is least concerned to know the figures of vaccinated/sterilized dogs. We want the MCD to ensure all the dogs be vaccinated and sterilised. We understand that there is a procedure to be followed but this is the matter of our safety which demands some immediacy on their part."