Stray dogs attack deer in Chittoor forest corridor amid waste concerns

Incidents of stray dogs killing deer and fawns have prompted fresh concerns about wildlife safety along a forest road in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. The attacks occurred on a two-kilometre stretch between the railway gate and Vellore Road, a route traditionally used by pedestrians and wildlife alike.

Local walkers have raised alarm over deteriorating conditions along the corridor, citing the proliferation of eateries and roadside food vendors as primary contributors to the problem. They contend that discarded food waste from these establishments has created an open feeding ground for stray dog populations, fundamentally altering the behaviour of these animals and making them more aggressive.

The accumulation of litter has effectively transformed the once-peaceful forest track into what residents describe as a dangerous zone. The availability of accessible food waste has enabled stray dog packs to thrive in numbers and confidence, increasing predatory incidents against vulnerable wildlife such as young deer and fawns that inhabit the forest area.

Environmental and wildlife advocates have called for coordinated action involving municipal authorities, forest officials, and local business operators. They stress the need for stricter waste management protocols at food establishments and regular sanitation drives to restore the ecological balance of the forest corridor and mitigate risks to both wildlife and human visitors.