After death of Wagh Bakri Group ED, citizens raise concerns over stray dog menace

The residents of Pune are concerned about the increasing number of stray dogs in the city, following an incident where a man died after being attacked by stray dogs in Ahmedabad. Many citizens have reported encounters with the strays and are calling for action from the Pune Municipal Corporation. The PMC claims to be implementing a birth control and vaccination program for the strays, with the help of citizen groups. They are also marking feeding points for the dogs away from bus stops and school routes.

PUNE: After the untimely demise of Parag Desai, 49, executive director of the Wagh Bakri Tea Group – who last week suffered brain haemorrhage after a fall while warding off stray dogs outside his residence in Ahmedabad, Gujarat – Punekars too are worried about the stray dog menace in the city.

Citizens say The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) should take action against the strays. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Sarita Bora, who goes for morning walks, said, “I stay at Salisbury Park and used to go to Taljai for my morning walks. Due to the presence of stray dogs however, I am unable to walk early morning, especially after a stray canine chased my bike two or three times. Many citizens feed stray dogs at Taljai and some of them bring their pet dogs along. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) should take action against the strays.”

Satish Pawar, who lives in Baner and works at a private firm, said, “I used to return home at midnight. There are many stray dogs on the route. They mainly frequent areas around Chinese food stalls and garbage dumps. Sometimes, they bark at the riders.”

Sameer Karve from Karvenagar said, “Animal lovers feed these strays and cuddle and pet them. If we object, they get into arguments. Our request is instead of feeding the strays on roads, they should do so near their homes. Many citizens bring their pets for walks but they should do so in their own locality/neighbourhood.”

Shalini Damle, an animal lover, said, “It is true that sometimes strays do attack. But self-defence is important. If these strays start barking, citizens should not start running… It is better to carry a stick during the morning hours. Even pet owners face these problems as the strays attack their pets.”

Head of the PMC veterinary department, Dr Sarika Phunde, said, “The PMC is implementing a programme for birth control among strays and carrying out vaccination of the strays. With help from the citizens’ groups, the PMC is marking the feeding points for strays and these points are at a good distance from bus stops and school going routes and are at isolated places mostly.”