A move to counter the rising number of fatal attacks by stray dogs, district officials in Bareilly have come up with an absurd plan. Authorities have said that, come March 1, they will start painting 'normal' dogs blue in an attempt to distinguish them from the killer canines. This bizarre plan was devised at a meeting convened by the district magistrate that was attended by scientists from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, in addition to forest and police officials, The Times of India reports.

"It might cause lead poisoning or toxicity, allergic reactions, respiratory problems or even affect their eyesight," Dr. Bhanu of Max Vets Hospital told us.

And the problem has solutions that are not nearly as inhuman. "Instead of painting the dogs, can't they be differentiated with collars?" Dr. Bhanu suggested. He further explained that neutering aggressive male dogs can drastically alter their behaviour, which could be key in this situation.



What do you make of the decision to mark dogs with paint? Isn't it yet another callous example of the way animal rights are completely ignored?


While there's no denying that these attacks must be stopped, we're sure officials in Bareilly can do better than this.