CHANDIGARH: Stray dogs are posing a threat to the safety of migratory birds and fauna at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. It is common to see them running along the banks of the lake to pounce upon migratory birds.Locals say there’s a pack of feral dogs sneaking into the forested area of the nearby Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and attacking wild animals, especially deer . MC officials say the stray dog problem has been compounded by the misplaced attention of residents. “Many people, particularly morning walkers and joggers come to the lake in the morning with dog food. Such feeding leads to multiplication in the number of stray dogs, who are creating a nuisance for many walkers on the lake,” said an MC employee.The MC staffer, who is part of the team which came to catch dogs for sterilization on the lake added, “We regularly come to trap the dogs to sterilize them but often, so called dog lovers foil our attempt.”Citing an example, he said a few days back, a woman called senior officials when he tried to take a dog. Soon, a senior official called him and asked him not to take the dog, which had three puppies. The team comes in search of dogs which do not have their ears clipped, a sign of identification for those which have been sterilized. They purposely park their vehicle away from such dogs, as they have started recognizing the vehicle and stay aaway from it.Debendra Dalai, chief conservator of forests, Chandigarh said, “The stray dogs which come in contact with the forest and its animals turn wild and are transformed into what is known as feral dogs. They charge on animals and tear to pieces. They also pass on diseases which spread like wildlife. It is essential to keep them away from forests. We have mounted signboards on Sukhna lake urging people not to feed them but unfortunately even educated people do not understand.”