Coexistence: Humans, Dogs, and the Streets We Share

Remember that feeling of panic as a child, separated from your parent in a crowded market? That sudden fear, that feeling of utter vulnerability, is something many of us can still recall. A few minutes later, the relief as your parent rushed back, hugging you tightly, only to be followed by a stern warning.

 

Dogs experience this same emotional rollercoaster. One day, they are cherished members of a family, the centre of attention, featured in countless social media posts. The next, they are abandoned at a shelter or, even worse, callously left on the side of a highway. The reasons given for these abandonments are varied: "The landlord doesn't allow pets," "We're moving," "We're too busy," "Allergies," "Destructive behaviour," "New baby," "Can't afford vet bills." While some reasons may be genuine, the reality is that a living creature, dependent on its human family, is left feeling lost and afraid.

 

How can we justify such actions? We claim this world as our own, but then we must also accept the consequences when wild animals, displaced by our encroachment on their habitats, venture into our cities. Dogs, however, are already here, living amongst us.

Many people feel a deep compassion for these animals, and a desire to help, yet they may be unable to take on the full responsibility of pet ownership. This often leads to well-intentioned but misplaced acts of kindness, such as feeding street dogs without considering the potential consequences for the animals themselves, and for the community. While these individuals may mean well, simply providing food without also providing for vaccinations, neutering/spaying, and necessary medical care can actually contribute to the problem. Uncontrolled populations of street dogs can lead to increased risks of disease, territorial disputes, and even traffic accidents. One person's act of love, without responsible follow-through, can inadvertently cause hardship for another, and ultimately harm the very animals they intend to help.

 

The impact of this is seen firsthand. Responsible efforts to help these dogs include not only feeding them, but also providing veterinary care, managing their population through spay/neuter programs, and working to educate the public about responsible pet ownership. Ensuring the dogs are healthy, safe, and integrated into the community responsibly is crucial.

 

Conversely, some harbour a deep-seated fear and dislike of stray dogs. Perhaps they had a negative experience, or perhaps it's a fear instilled in them during childhood. In many cultures, especially in families who didn't have pets, children are taught to fear dogs, a fear that often persists into adulthood. Changing these ingrained attitudes is a difficult but necessary step towards creating a more compassionate world for these animals. Not just a compassionate world, but also a world where creatures can coexist, because whether humans like it or not..." the earth is not just ours, it belongs to all living things."