Most conflicts with animals come from fear, food or crowding, and can be prevented.
Community dogs
- Walk calmly, don’t run, and avoid staring or startling a dog that is eating or sleeping.
- Sterilised and vaccinated dogs are calmer and less territorial. Removing dogs from an area is not allowed under the ABC Rules, 2023; sterilisation is the lawful way to reduce numbers.
- Settle feeding or noise problems through your residents’ association and local caregivers.
If you are bitten or scratched
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then go to a hospital the same day for anti-rabies treatment. Rabies is fatal once symptoms start, and fully preventable with prompt treatment (WHO fact sheet).
Monkeys, snakes and other wildlife
- Don’t feed monkeys; feeding makes them bold and dependent on people.
- Keep away from snakes and call the state forest department or a wildlife rescue group. Most snakes are harmless, and all are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- If a bird or wild animal is injured, keep it in a quiet, ventilated box and call a rescue group from the directory.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and court orders change; check the Library and the original documents.