Stray dogs endanger turtles that land on Marina for nesting

Chennai: Stray dogs have killed at least two Olive Ridley sea turtles on Marina Beach this nesting season, exposing a critical gap in wildlife protection at one of Chennai's most visited shorelines.Wildlife officials confirm the attacks occurred when the turtles came ashore to lay eggs. The menace is confined to Marina Beach, where an uncontrolled stray dog population — sustained by daily feeding by residents and abundant food waste — continues to threaten nesting turtles. In contrast, Elliot's Beach, Besant Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Neelankarai, Kovalam, and Pulicat in Tiruvallur district remain unaffected.A wildlife conservationist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the absence of sterilisation and regular vaccination has allowed unchecked breeding among strays at Marina, compounding the problem.Officials and conservationists are now calling on Greater Chennai Corporation to take immediate steps to control the stray population before the season ends.The situation at Marina stands in sharp contrast to Kovalam and Pulicat, where near-zero human disturbance has kept stray dog activity in check. A volunteer with the Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network said Marina's challenges are not new. More than two decades ago, Besant Nagar faced a similar crisis, with stray dogs digging up nests and locals stealing eggs for sale. Sustained awareness campaigns by the Network have since curbed egg theft, though the dog menace has persisted at Marina.