With a number of children mauled to death by stray dogs in Sitapur in recent months, an animal protection body has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to prioritise public safety and well-being of animals, but said culling the canines was not a solution.
The World Animal Protection (WAP) said the state government should investigate what action has been taken to address the menace since the first incident was reported in January.
Two more children were mauled to death and another two were injured by stray dogs in Sitapur yesterday.
Earlier, three children were mauled to death by dogs in villages near Khairabad town after which the district administration called a dog-catching squad from Mathura.
"We understand there is human-animal conflict, however, culling is not the solution. There are humane solutions for dog population management available and the government needs to prioritise public safety and well-being of the animals," Gajender K Sharma, India country director of the group, said.
"We would also urge the government to take steps to raise awareness on the importance of dogs in their villages and how dog bites can be avoided," Sharma said.
A four-member team and forest officials from Mathura have arrived in Sitapur. They have tranquilised 16 dogs while two died during an operation with local authorities.
Residents around Khairabad town are living under fear following the incidents. Authorities have advised them to carry sticks or blunt weapons when venturing out alone, officials said.
Unconfirmed reports said villagers have resorted to killing stray dogs, but officials refused to comment.
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