Pune: Dog menace plagues Balewadi area footpath due to improper meat disposal by shopkeepers

Citizens grapple with dog menace, await for PMC action

Residents of Balewadi especially areas stretching from Saichowk to Madhuban are grappling with unsanitary conditions and a growing dog menace due to the irresponsible disposal of meat waste by local chicken and mutton shops. On a daily basis as per the complaints, remnants of meat are recklessly dumped along the footpath, emitting a foul stench and posing serious health hazards to citizens living nearby. 

The accumulation of meat scraps has attracted a large number of stray dogs to the area, causing fear among pedestrians which has led to the problem of dog gangs. Morning walkers, in particular, find themselves intimidated by the increasing presence of these strays. 

Moreover, the unauthorized chicken and mutton shop in the Baner Balewadi vicinity further aggravates the situation. Their failure to dispose of wet waste properly not only contributes to the unsanitary conditions but also highlights the lack of regulatory oversight in the area. 

A resident of Concord Portia society, Balewadi expressed his discontent over the issue and stated, “It’s a daily issue, we have a lot of stray dogs in our area, and they bring a lot of meat waste from somewhere mainly from nearby meat shops. Which is not disposed properly. Also crows picking up these waste and throwing or hiding in balconies and terrace which is a daily issue. This is very hazardous for the health of the residents in nearby societies. These all shops are encroachments. Also these dogs attack children and citizens going for morning walks. In our area it’s very difficult to walk because of stray animals.” 

He further added, “We have raised complaints for encroachment and strays earlier.. but it seems not that helpful.” 

The PMC has yet not been able to take any action against the issue. 

Sudarshan Jagadale, a resident of Balewadi and Aam Aadmi Party leader also stated, “Garbage collection in Balewadi is not done by the municipality. Garbage piles are seen for many years. To add to that, for the past few months, chicken/mutton has been being thrown on the street.”

He continued, “Therefore, those who go for a walk in the morning have to face a huge stench. Interestingly, street dogs are abundant in this area. They throw such mutton in the open. Also, in many societies, crows take the same mutton and eat it in the balcony. Pune Municipal Corporation administration should take this issue seriously.”