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street dogs
The Street Dogs of Kaž.
Kaž is well known for its large population of street dogs which are part of the local landscape. They are tolerated and often taken care of by the local residents and an additional attraction for many visitors. They are a mixed bunch – from the large mountain breeds to the characteristic short legged variety, with a tendency to chase cars and scooters at surprising speed! Almost all of them are friendly and responsive to the attention of humans. Generally they are found in and around the central square where they seem to enjoy a good doggie social life. Fights are a rare occurrence.
The tourist season begins in April and continues through to October, during which time, the street dogs enjoy a diet of barbequed chicken and fish, often proffered by animal loving visitors or scraps thrown out by the restaurants at the end of each day. They survive in the winter by scavenging and the kindness of the locals. There is a well organised group of locals who systematically catch, sterilise and tag the dogs to prevent the population increasing.
However, not everyone is happy about the presence of the street dogs. They have a tendency to ‘pack’ and chase the local cats – another significant street group. There have been reports of dogs attacking a cat and even killing it, which is unacceptable for both locals and visitors. Consequently, in the spring, the Belediye feels it must take action to control the population to prevent this problem in preparation for the annual influx of visitors. Rumours abound as to how the Belediye deals with the problem of unwanted dogs, but the truth of the matter is that they round up those that do not have a ‘home’ and take them to the dog pound in the mountains behind Kas. This year, this ‘cull’ took place during the last week of March with warnings to local residents via the public announcement system to keep their pets off the streets. A number of street dogs were rounded up and moved to the pound, thereby reducing the street population and the likelihood of ‘packing’.
Personally, I like the street dogs of Kas. Like many people, I have my own personal favourites and even one that we have now decided to ‘adopt’.
To me they add colour and interest to the town and are a good example of man and animals happily coexisting!
Kate
Toope Kaž