Dhoni inspires residents of Ranchi to adopt stray dogs

Ever since India captain MS Dhoni adopted a stray dog and appealed to the people of Ranchi to do the same there has been a rush for street canines. The city has roughly 40,000 dogs and registers 75 to 125 dog-bite cases every day.

Ever since India captain MS Dhoni adopted a stray dog and appealed to the people of Ranchi to do the same there has been a rush for street canines. The city has roughly 40,000 dogs and registers 75 to 125 dog-bite cases every day.

Helping Organization for People Environment and Animal Trust (HOPE and Animal Trust), an NGO engaged by the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) for pet dog registration and stray dog control and management in the city, feels this new trend could improve things.

Chief executive officer (CEO) of HOPE and Animal Trust, Praveen Ohal said altogether 15 people had adopted strays so far and more than 50 were in queue. "Earlier, we used to get just two to three calls in a year. But we have received not less than 150 calls in just five months."

Chief health officer (CHO) in RMC, Dr Ajay Manjhi recently adopted two puppies.

"Best thing about adopting stray dogs is that it doesn't cost much. Just pay Rs 100 as license fee and take a dog home," said Adya Singh, a class-XII student of DAV Shayamli, who also adopted a six-month old puppy.