Letters to The Editor — August 14, 2025

Stray dog control

The stray dog population is evolving in the country. If this is not acted upon with concrete plans, the number of dogs may overwhelm the human population as there is no reliable head count as yet of stray dogs. The argument that animal welfare activists put forth, that curtailing the stray dog population will lead to an increase in the rat population, is illogical. Cats are the major predators of rats. As birth control methods on dogs have not made much of an impact on the canine population, it is our bounden duty to protect human lives.

Dr. V. Purushothaman,

Chennai

I would like to pose this question to animal activists and those who have stray dog welfare as their primary concern. Have they seen a person who has contracted rabies pass away? It is one of the most heart-rending moments in life. To watch a person be in great pain, be in an agitated state, have great difficulty in swallowing, have excessive salivation and a fear of fluids, hallucinate, have partial paralysis and then fade away is distressing. My appeal to them is to be objective and think good.

Sumitra Gopal,

Hyderabad