In North Karnataka, dogs are not having their day

Hubballi: Stry dogs in several parts of north Karnataka have been hit hard with them not getting food leftovers generated at hotels, restaurants, roadside food stalls, and meat at butcher shops. Following lockdown, all these establishments have closed, leaving the canines starving.
Though many organisations, pet lovers and the general public are feeding the strays everyday, a majority of canines are deprived of food, according to sources of civic bodies.
Dr Ravi Saligoudar, veterinarian at HDMC, said the lockdown has left canines with no food. Several incidents of dog deaths have been reported in the city limits, and the cause may be starvation and other reasons, he added.
About 10% of the dogs have migrated to other places like the city outskirts or dumping yard or nearby forest areas, where they can feed on rodents. Another 20% may migrate too. The twin cities have around 20,000 dogs, but their population is different in different areas. This, Dr Ravi said, he realised when he went around the city recently to feed dogs.
According to sources in HDMC, dogs have died — for many reasons — even before the enforcement of lockdown. As many as 117 dogs have died between February 27 to March 27, and 188 from March 27 to April 27. Lack of food, weakness, diseases, or fight with animals may be the causes, sources added.
Gadag-Betageri City Municipal Corporation commissioner C M Mansoor Ali said the twin-cites of Gadag and Betageri together have 1,400 strays. Many NGOs and pet lovers, equipped with special passes, are feeding the strays, Ali said, adding that 3-4 puppies have died during the lockdown.
In line with the direction of the Gadag SP, that no stray animal should starve, the civic officials have made arrangements accordingly.
There are 3,000 dogs in Vijayapura city limits, said chief veterinary officer Dr Basavaraj Kanmadi. They may have migrated to places within the city where they would get food, or are being fed by people.
S A Nikitha, founder of CARE (Conservation and Rescue) and volunteers, have been feeding the strays in Ballari city limits. They are providing food and water to animals and birds.