50 Stray Dogs to Be Returned at Bramha Suncity by PMC

From Bramha Suncity Society, Wadgaon Sheri, stray dogs were taken away after a six-year-old boy was allegedly mauled by a group of stray dogs last month and will be released back around the society premises next week.

As the incident occurred on February 7, in the evening and left the residents terrified and many of them approaching police to file complaints against animal lovers and feeders, the dogs will be released under police protection expecting opposition from the residents.

However, a group of four stray dogs by whom the boy was attacked will be observed for a few more days, officials said.

On February 7, Aniruddh Jondhale, the boy was playing and his grandfather work in society as a housekeeper when a group of 54 stray dogs mauled him.

He was severely injured and had treatment at a private hospital. The incident makes society terrified and leads them to file complaints against the animal lovers. Following the incident, the PMC caught and took these stray dogs from the society premises to shelters.

The incident led society to split into two groups: one that is against stray dogs and one that wants the dogs to live on society’s premises.

Dr. Sarika Funde, the veterinary superintendent of PMC, stated that according to the Animal Welfare Board of India’s (AWBI) rules and court orders, stray dogs have to be returned from where they are picked up. “The rules have to be followed and they were picked up for sterilization and vaccination. We are anticipating objections from the society residents due to which we will need police protection. We are also writing to the police requesting to provide protection.”

“The four dogs that were seen in the video during the incident will be kept for a few more days for observation,” she stated.

The conflict in the city is not new, and Bramha Suncity’s residents have been complaining about the dog in society. The civic body has an important role in resolving the conflict. Dog feeders are usually seen as contributing to the problem of stray dogs in society, officials stated.

To look into the alleged complaint about man-animal conflicts in society, an animal welfare committee has been formed. It will identify the spot for dogs to feed within society. Moreover, the committee will be responsible to handle similar complaints in the future.

Health officer, PMC, Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, stated that the AWBI’s rules should be followed, and the strays will be released back from where they were picked up. “It’s a challenging situation for us as on the one hand, we have to ensure that there is no animal abuse and harassment to the animal feeders. On the other hand, we have to make sure that there is no unnecessary trouble caused to the area residents. We need support from the citizens to end the man-animal conflict and ensure harmonious coexistence.”