Visakhapatnam:After 10 pm, the stray dogs in and around Kanithi Road of Gajuwaka flock to a guest who feeds them every day.
Jagu Suresh, a young marketing professional, began turning up to feed the dogs many years ago, driven by compassion. He was even manhandled by some residents of his old house about two years ago, who alleged that he was attracting dogs into the colony.
“When I observed the dogs scavenging for food in the dustbins and drains, I felt it was my responsibility to feed them. But a fight with the residents of a colony where I used to stay earlier strengthened my resolve to feeding dogs. I started devoting more time and money towards them,” said Mr Suresh.
“It is a myth that feeding dogs could increase their population. It actually tames their aggression and compulsive behaviour. Most dog-bite incidents are related to the aggressive canines that are hungry, injured or ill. Once they are provided food and treated, the number of dog bites would come down,” he said.
Mr Suresh sets out at 10 pm daily to feed the dogs, and his rounds end at 4 am.
“I prefer the nights to feed the dogs as there would be no traffic and the dogs can peacefully enjoy their only meal of the day. Over time, this has put a huge financial strain on me; it costs about 70 per cent of my salary. But I cannot abandon or lose the dogs. I am looking for some help,” he said.
When asked how he was juggling responsibilities between professional and social activities, Mr Suresh said, “The credit goes to my friends, who helped me at various times. We also take care of injured animals with the help of the government veterinary doctors and animal husbandry officials. But at times it becomes a difficult task to find the owner of a dog that has been abandoned,” Mr Suresh said.
