By Sampada Anuranjanee Khatiwada

Kathmandu, May 10: Along with hitting people's lives hard, the ongoing nationwide lockdown imposed by the government to check the spread of COVID-19 has made it difficult for street dogs to survive. As the street dogs used to depend upon food given by locals, prohibition on people to step out of their houses has led the street dogs starve to death.
Ashakaji Maharjan, a shopkeeper at Samakhusi, said, "There are around seven stray dogs in this alley. The locals used to feed them bread, biscuits and water every day. But ever since the lockdown started, these dogs have been starving."
During the initial days of lockdown, these dogs used to attack everyone passing by in search of food. Maharjan said that a dog died of starvation in his neighbourhood. "A dog was lying unconscious on the road. When we took it to the vet, the doctor said that it had been starving for lack of food. It died the day after," he added.
Maharjan said that the locals had then started feeding the stray dogs regularly. "Whenever I open my shop in the morning, the dogs line up outside seeking food. I provide them with biscuits and water."
Maharjan said that some youths in his locality had prepared a routine for those interested in feeding the stray dogs. "They regularly feed rice and lentil soup to the dogs," he added.
Likewise, many people on personal level and on organisational level have been providing food and health services to the street dogs during the lockdown.
"I feed three stray dogs in my locality every day," said Anuja Shrestha of Kalanki. "I prepare rice and vegetables for them daily and sometimes meat too."
Stating that it was impossible to feed all the street dogs of Kathmandu valley, Shrestha said, "The lockdown has made these innocent beings starve. This also leads to some serious health problems. Thus, it would be a relief for them if everyone in their locality started feeding 2-3 dogs regularly."
SPCA Nepal, an animal welfare organisation located at Hattigauda, has been feeding around 300 dogs every day in Lazimpat, Maharajgunj, Tudikhel, Dallu, Swoyambhunath, Chakrapath, Buspark, Balaju and other ring road junctions.
Dr Tularam Rajbanshi, a veterinary technician at the organization, said, "Along with dogs, we've also been feeding monkeys and cows."
"We didn’t have any plan of feeding them amid the lockdown. But as dogs in our locality were seen starving, we couldn’t resist ourselves," said Dr Rajbanshi.
He said that the organisation had voluntarily been feeding pumpkins, eggs, vegetables, carrot, bread and sometimes meat to the dogs. "Some animal lovers donate food supplies and money to us, he said. "But we do not receive regular funds."
Dr Rajbanshi said that it was high time for the government to look after the stray dogs as the COVID-19 spread, followed by lockdown, had hit their lives hard.
"The local level governments can collaborate with organisations like ours to feed the innocent and hungry lives living on roads," he added.
The lockdown has also led to some behaviourial changes in street dogs. "The scarcity of food has intensified rivalry amongst stray dogs for food. They tend to brawl with each other for food," said Dr Nirjal Dhakal, a vet.
"As dogs seek human attention, the lockdown has made them confused to see the roads empty," he added. "Thus, they tend to follow or attack if they see anyone on the road."
Dr Dhakal said that the government's attention should be drawn towards the issue, as dog attacks on humans due to starvation could result in unfortunate situation.
"People on their personal levels could also feed the stray dogs as it doesn’t cost much," he added. "The stray dogs require more love and care during this unprecedented time."