Kannur: Stray dogs are beginning to instil a sense of fear amongst Keralites as several cases of attacks against humans are being reported in the state. Around 1.84 lakh people were injured due to stray dog attacks alone so far this year. 

Dogs are generally very friendly in nature. But the case is different for stray dogs. Their situations are different and that will reflect in their behaviour as well, says Professor Dr Shibu Simon of the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Mannuthy. 

Why do strays attack?

Dogs are usually docile in nature. They are carnivores and have long canine teeth. They may chase their prey and eat raw meat.

The pack of dogs will have a leader. The others will follow its lead. The dogs roaming around the streets in packs will be ferocious and wild. 

Pet dogs receive good care and love from their owners. But most often stray dogs do not find food easily and have to roam about. This process and the sense of competition it instils will cause changes in their behaviour. 

The pack of stray dogs get used to eating meat waste and small animals that they hunt down. Once dogs start eating raw meat, they turn more wild. Once this becomes a habit, it will be very hard to change, says Dr Shibu Simon. 

Starch-rich food items and cooked meat have had a part to play in drawing dogs closer to humans. In a research conducted in Sweden, gene variations responsible for the behavioural changes of dogs were discovered. This gives a clear idea about the behavioural pattern of domesticated dogs.