The intervention of an animal rights’ activist gave a new lease of life to about 50 stray dogs in Ibrahimpatnam town of Ranga Reddy district.
On March 31, Srinivas, who used to feed stray dogs everyday near his house in Ibrahimpatnam, could not find them. When he asked his neighbours, they informed him that the dogs were taken away by the animal catching unit of the municipality. Later, the municipal authorities confirmed that the dogs were picked up to be relocated to a far off forest area.
A concerned Srinivas immediately alerted A. Goutham from the Stray Animal Foundation of India (SAFI), who in turn called the municipal authorities to know the facts. When they admitted that the dogs were caught to be relocated in a forest, Mr. Goutham warned them that this would attract a case under “Cruelty to Animals” and it would be better to release them.
The dogs were caught and caged in a van from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. In a video shared by the activist, the hapless animals were found thirsty and hungry with their mouths open.
“About 50 stray dogs were caught on the orders of the Ibrahimpatnam municipal officials to be released in a forest at 7 a.m. on March 31. I came to know about this after getting a call from Srinivas. Immediately, I called municipal officer Pranav Goud and also the municipal commissioner. They told me about their plan to release them at a forest, as the animals were causing a nuisance in the residential area. I explained to him the rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,” Mr. Goutham told The Hindu.
He added, “The dogs were locked in the van for over six hours without food and water in the hot sun. After we spoke to the municipal officials, the dogs were set free.”
A complaint was lodged with the Ibrahimpatnam police on Saturday, and an FIR registered under Section 429 of the IPC.
