Dog warning features to signboards: How people can prevent canine attacks on delivery agents

Hyderabad: Four months after a Swiggy delivery boy died after being attacked by a pet dog, another delivery boy of Amazon sustained multiple injuries after being attacked by a canine in an apartment at Panchavati Colony, Manikonda, in Hyderabad.

What happened?

Mohamad Ilias, 27, has been working as an Amazon delivery agent for the past three years. On May 21, he started his daily deliveries and reached the Panchavati colony to deliver a mattress.

He reached the location at around 12:30 and called the customer of the apartment in Panchavati Colony. The owner of the flat asked him to get the mattress to their flat on the third floor.

"When I ranged the doorbell, the customer opened the door, and their pet dog started barking and tried to attack him," he said.

Out of fear, he tried to escape by the cement wall of the balcony. The dog continued barking at him and tried to jump over him. Panic-stricken fell off the third floor of the building. He sustained severe injuries to his left leg and hands.

Flat owner did not warn about dog

In the complaint, the delivery agent said the owner of the flat had not informed him about the dog at their house when he called her after reaching the location. The dog was also set free without any leash tied.

A case has been registered by Cyberabad police against the dog owners, under section 289 of IPC (negligent conduct with respect to animal).

Need for pet warning feature in delivery apps

For pet owners in Hyderabad, one will have to obtain a Pet Dog License issued by the GHMC. Earlier, the licenses were given out only at the local zonal offices. Now, it can be obtained through a government website.

According to residents no rules have been issued regarding putting up 'Beware of Dog' signboards outside pet owners' homes.

Delivery apps have no particular feature to warn about pet dogs at home. For instance, there are four options in Swiggy where the customer can either opt to avoid ringing the bell, leave at the door, directions to reach, and avoid calling.

"There is no such rule to compulsorily put up boards if we have pets at home. It is the initiative to be taken by the flat owners. For gated communities and apartments that use 'MyGate app', there can be an option to mention about pets before delivery. At least users with pets can do this for mutual safety," said Sarma, a resident of Attapur who owned pets in the past.

"Even for pets and their owners, these attacks are bad, as communities will force them to leave their loved pets and cause unnecessary legal issues. It is good if the delivery apps should have features warning about pets to avoid such incidents," said Sarma.

Delivery agents request prior information

Speaking to News Meter, a delivery agent requesting anonymity said, "There are very few apartments which have pet warning boards in Hyderabad. Many delivery agents fear dogs, and before delivery, many ask about pets and request to tie them inside. It is also the responsibility of the pet owner to tie their pets at the time of delivering a parcel,".

How to prevent dog attacks?

When defending its territory, a dog of any size or breed might become hostile. A friendly dog may also patrol the area on or around its property. It is critical to understand how to approach dogs and what to do if an aggressive canine approaches you.

What to do if approached by an aggressive dog

- Don't run, just stand still.

- Maintain your hands by your sides.

- Be silent and avoid making any noise.

- Avoid making eye contact with the dog and instead focus on the ground.

- As the dog loses interest, it slowly backs away.

If frightening dog approaches do not:

- Scream

- Run

- Flail limbs

- Panic

- Make eye contact

- Jump up and down

If a dog attacks

- Keep your hands and arms in front of your body to protect them.

- Don't put your hand near the fighting or attacking dogs' mouths, or touch the dogs where they could easily turn around and bite you.

- Do not grab collars.

- If the dog bites you and isn't letting go, move your arm or body part into the dog's mouth, rather than trying to pull it out. This will prevent more damage to you through tearing.

- Keep the dog from shaking its head or your body if they do not release.

- Protect your face, chest, and throat.

- Distract the dog from another object.

- Do not kick or punch the dog if at all possible (that might escalate their arousal).