In several neighbourhoods of Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, people have started hanging red bottles outside their homes, either on doors or windows. At first, strangers might be startled by this sight, thinking that the residents have engaged in some form of witchcraft. However, when they discover the true reason behind these bottles, they are surprised. The reality is that the people hanging these bottles are the ones who are scared and have resorted to this method as a precaution.
The red bottles are being used to ward off stray dogs in different streets and neighbourhoods of Sagar. People believe that the red colour irritates the dogs’ eyes, making them avoid areas where they see it. According to the residents, this tactic has provided some relief from the stray dog menace.
As word spread, more people are beginning to hang red bottles outside their homes. Experts explain that much like some humans who are colour-blind, dogs struggle to differentiate between blue, green and red. This is why wild dogs tend to come out either in the early morning or become active after sunset.
This problem with stray dogs isn’t confined to Sagar, it’s widespread throughout the district. Every day, more than 30 patients visit the district hospital and Bundelkhand Medical College for rabies vaccinations. Last year, the municipal corporation even set aside a special budget of Rs 5 lakh to catch stray dogs, but it hasn’t had much effect.
About 15 days ago in Bina, a town in Sagar, an 8-year-old boy was bitten by a dog and later died while undergoing treatment. Just two days ago, a rabid dog attacked 17 people within two and a half hours in a village. These increasing incidents have left the city’s residents frightened, leading them to keep children indoors. To protect themselves from stray dogs, people have started using various methods, including hanging these red bottles outside their homes.
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