Sir,

This refers to the news report on stray dogs at Kukkarahalli Lake in SOM dated Sept 24. As a senior citizen and regular morning walker at Kukkarahalli Lake for many years, I see stray dogs there every day. I must say my morning walks are completely peaceful, despite the presence of the dogs. They are so quiet that I hardly even notice them.

I am astonished that some walkers claim the dogs at Kukkarahalli Lake chase them. In all my time, I have never been chased by a dog, nor have I seen other walkers being chased.

Those complaining about strays might be provoking the dogs by throwing stones, running away, or shouting at them. This excites or scares the dogs, leading them to bark. If walkers maintain a calm demeanour, they will find that the dogs remain peaceful too.

On the other hand, it would be helpful if walkers refrained from playing loud music on their mobiles, which disturbs bird-life around the Lake. Feeding pigeons, who disrupt native bird habitats and carry diseases, or worse, littering the area with plastic, should also be avoided.

Recently, I saw a cormorant (neeru kaage) struggling to free itself from a plastic bag caught on its beak (see pic). It’s time humans realise that the earth doesn’t belong solely to us.

 — Dr. Usha Srinath, Saraswathipuram, 30.9.2024

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