''A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." - Josh Billings

The pulse of a city is understood by the care it gives to its stray animals, namely dogs. Kolkata has a heart and it does care for its stray dogs.

There are many groups and individuals in the city who have been giving shelter and care to the stray dogs. Kolkata Municipal Corporation has an old-age home near Dhapa for stray dogs. There are 250 cages for the dogs that may have fallen ill because of old age. The cages also house the dogs that the KMC health department officials have to pick up from time to time from the streets for sterilization and vaccination.

There are three operation theatres in this home for stray dogs. About 900 operations per month are possible at this place. There is a team of veterinary surgeons and paramedics who attend to the dogs. Sterilization and vaccination are important parts of the care provided to the stray dogs housed here.

Debasree Roy Foundation has been doing some great work in caring for stray animals for a long time now. The mission of this foundation is: rescue dogs that have been the object of unwarranted torture or neglect and provide them with adequate care and medical help. These dogs are sprayed or neutered if needed and proper veterinary care from professionals is made available to them.

This foundation, apart from giving medical care, also actively pursues adoption and rehabilitation of stray dogs. This organisation also has a shelter that rescues dogs that have been the object of unwarranted torture or neglect and provide them with adequate care and medical help.

Similar organisations all across the state are doing a great job. An NGO in Konnagar is doing exceptional work looking after street dogs. Food is cooked daily by volunteers to feed stray dogs. With limited means, this organisation is trying to support as many stray animals as possible. Cats and rabbits are also looked after by this organisation.

Many individuals of the city have taken it up as a crusade to look after stray animals. Morning walkers can often be seen feeding local stray dogs and also birds. Some tea stall owners say they have a standing instruction from many of their customers to feed a certain number of dogs on their behalf. This is heartening indeed.

But the biggest challenge is keeping the population of stray dogs within a manageable limit and of course ensuring they are disease free. It is in this sphere that effort has to be more organised and helplines more accessible to the people.

Pet shops with luxury and pampering products for one’s pets are on the rise. Grooming and spa centres for pets are also mushrooming across the city of Kolkata. Kennels and pet care centres that take care of pets when owners are away on tours or holidays are also on the rise in the city. While all of this speaks of great love and affection for pet animals, it also points to a certain amount of consumerism that has seeped into this sphere.

The city needs more individuals and NGOs to come forward to help stray dogs get a better life. These dogs do a great service to the neighborhood alerting the residents if any stranger happens to come by. It is time we all give a better thought to these mongrels and for that organised support groups need to be in place. Also contact details of organisation and persons who can provide medical aid or rehabilitation to stray dogs need to be advertised beyond yellow pages.

“The poor dog, in life the firmest friend, the first to welcome, the foremost to defend.”
- George Gordon Byron