The growing population of stray dogs in villages and town panchayats on the outskirts of Erode has become a source of concern for residents, who say packs of dogs frequently bark at and chase motorists and pedestrians.

Residents have sought the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in rural local bodies and better waste management measures to address the issue. They said repeated representations seeking sterilisation drives and improved waste management had yielded little response, as local bodies had no mechanism in place to control the stray dog population.

While the Erode Corporation has been implementing the ABC programme, under which more than 12,000 stray dogs have been sterilised and administered anti-rabies vaccination, residents said similar initiatives were largely absent in neighbouring rural local bodies. They pointed out that the stray dog population had increased considerably in the village and town panchayats of Lakkapuram, 46 Pudur, Elavamalai, Nasiyanur, Kadirampatti, Vadamugam Vellode, Avalpoondurai and Gangapuram, all of which have witnessed rapid urbanisation in recent years.

“Earlier, fewer than three dogs could be seen on busy roads. Now, the number has increased to more than eight,” said T. Vignesh of Sanarmedu. He said over 15 to 20 dogs were present on the premises of the Solar bus stand. Residents attributed the congregation of dogs in such areas to the easy availability of food, including leftovers and waste discarded in public places.

Residents blamed poor solid waste management practices for the increase in stray dog population. Garbage dumped along roadsides and in open spaces becomes a instant food source, leading to the congregation of dogs in residential areas and along major roads. According to residents, almost every street in the affected local bodies has at least three to five stray dogs, while busy road stretches often have more than 10 dogs at a time. Improper disposal of meat waste near poultry shops has further aggravated the problem, they said.

“Though dog bites are a concern, the bigger issue is that stray dogs bark at and chase motorists and pedestrians, creating fear among road users. We hesitate to use certain stretches even during the daytime,” said P. Amutha of Vaikalmedu.

Residents urged the authorities to extend the ABC programme to rural local bodies, conduct periodic anti-rabies vaccination drives, establish shelter facilities for stray dogs, improve waste management, prevent roadside dumping, and ensure scientific disposal of meat and poultry waste.