E-Paper
CCTV footage of leopard killing pet dog in Pune home triggers alarm
The incident comes amid a series of leopard sightings reported from Lohegaon, Pune over the past few months.
CCTV footage of a leopard entering a residential area in Lohegaon, Pune and killing a pet dog at around 2 am on August 2 has reignited fears among residents, who are demanding immediate intervention by the forest department. The viral video shows the wild animal entering the compound of a house in the Harantale area before attacking the pet dog and fleeing.
The incident comes amid a series of leopard sightings reported from Lohegaon over the past few months. Earlier, the wild cat was spotted near Pune airport, while separate sightings were reported from a nearby college campus and an industrial establishment.
Also Read I Out of shadows: When the mountain ghost chose to be seen in Dhauldhar Wildlife Sanctuary
The recurring sightings have forced residents to stop taking evening walks, while pet owners are keeping their animals indoors after dark. Citizens have urged the forest department to intensify night patrolling and install more camera traps.
Vishal Chavan, range forest officer, Pune Forest Department, said the department responded immediately after receiving information about the incident.
Also Read I Rethinking human-wildlife conflict
“Our team visited the spot and carried out a preliminary assessment. Camera traps have been installed at strategic locations to monitor the leopard’s movement. However, no fresh sighting has been reported so far,” Chavan said.
He appealed to residents to remain vigilant, avoid venturing out alone during late-night and early-morning hours, keep pets indoors after dusk, and alert the department in case of a leopard sighting instead of attempting to chase the animal.
