Pune: Amanora Park Town Residents Protest Over Stray Dog Menace and Rabies Threat
Hadapsar, 19th October 2024: Residents of Amanora Park Town staged a protest today, voicing their concerns over the rising stray dog menace, including cases of rabid strays causing harm within the township. In recent weeks, several children have been injured due to dog bites, sparking fears and frustration among residents.
The protestors highlighted their cooperation with government authorities in establishing an Animal Welfare Committee, one of the few in Pune. However, they claim the lack of government support has hindered the implementation of effective measures to control the situation. Residents allege that designated feeding spots for strays are being violated, and there has been rampant and illegal relocation of stray dogs to different sectors of Amanora, further worsening the problem.
Additionally, the community strays have become increasingly aggressive, engaging in fights with newly relocated strays. This escalating tension has caused aggressive behavior among the dogs, leading to safety concerns for residents.
Protestors also criticized the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for not adhering to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) 2023 rules. According to the residents, PMC veterinary officers lack awareness of the rules and have failed to maintain essential records regarding strays and vaccinations within Amanora. Residents claim that neither Amanora management nor PMC has any information about the vaccination status of the strays. The lack of proper care for potentially rabid strays and inadequate vaccination programs are significant concerns, leaving the community vulnerable to rabies outbreaks.
In response to the protest, Amanora Park Town management, led by MD Anirudha Deshpande, swiftly engaged with the residents to address their grievances. A meeting was held where Amanora officials and the protestors discussed various legal and practical solutions under existing laws to tackle the stray dog issue. Following assurances from the management, the protest was called off, with the promise of concrete action to resolve the crisis.
Despite these discussions, residents expressed disappointment with the lack of support from government officials. They alleged that while officials insist on the implementation of ABC 2023 rules, they themselves repeatedly violate them. Legal action is reportedly being considered by citizens against the officials involved in these alleged violations.
With rising dog bite incidents and no immediate resolution in sight, tensions in Amanora Park Town remain high. Residents warned that if immediate steps are not taken, the situation could spiral out of control, creating a volatile environment in the community.
