Vadgaon Sheri : Jagdish Mulik joins hands with Bramha Suncity residents to protest against relocation of dogs

Bharatiya Janata Party Pune President Jagdish Mulik, former MLA Vadgaon Sheri Constituency joined hands with Bramha SunCity Residents’ to Protest Against relocation of Stray Dog in the society as per the recent directive given by the Bombay High Court. On April 29, residents of Bramha SunCity in Vadgaonsheri took out a protest march against the recent directive by the Bombay High Court.

The residents have been fighting against the stray dog menace and have also been subjected to several dog bite cases in the past, with the recent being one recorded on February 7 when a young boy of domestic help was bitten by a dog.

Several complaints have been recorded to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) about aggressive dogs and dog bite cases, but nothing has been done yet. The residents are feeling insecure and after the recent Bombay High Court order which states that the dogs must be relocated to the same place from where they were picked up. The residents held a peaceful protest which saw participation of over 60 residents and BJP Pune city president Jagdish Mulik.

A PIL was filed by an animal activist, Vineeta Tandon in the Bombay High Court to release these dogs, and SPCA was instructed to form an animal welfare committee to resolve human-animal conflicts.

There have been 346,318 dog bites cases in Maharashtra (in 2022 as per Centre Govt), so is the ordeal of the residents of this society in Pune, Bramha SunCity, who are struggling with stray dog menace, be it dog bites, chase, inaccessible parking esp during medical emergencies, medical patients/senior citizens unable to walk safely or kids unable to play fearlessly, Society staff unable to work freely etc. This society has once lived with 70 dogs that are now again being forced into the society at the back of Bombay high court order.

SPCA was instructed to form an animal welfare committee comprising of PMC, MC from Bramha Suncity, SPCA etc to resolve Human Animal conflicts. They had visited our society, surveyed its perimeters, spoke to the residents, heard their pain, met the dog feeders and also met the boy who was attacked. They have stated their observations but it appears the same was not given the attention by the Bombay High Court. Some of the observations are as stated below.

➢ The Residents seem to be frustrated and scared with no accountability on these bites or dog killings due to bytes.

➢ They point that the Animal birth control (ABC2023) guidelines that are made for Animal welfare doesn’t consider Human Welfare.

➢ They complained of dog bites and chase while walking, or dropping kids to bus stop or while playing.

➢ The neuro disorder patients complained about sleepless night due to whole night dog howling.

➢ The high BP, diabetes and Cancer patients complained about not being able to walk freely in the park with no peace of mind..

➢ Kids complaints of dog chasing them early morning while catching school bus➢ Pregnant women unable to walk safely inside the premises.

➢ Club house occupied with dogs.. With this helplessness state the residents decided to come down on the ground to peacefully protest with a silent march.

BJP Pune president Jagdish Mulik participated in this protest and addressed citizens. He mentioned that with influx of 60 Dogs security of residents will be at stake and he will join hands with residents in explaining the issue with various government officials. There are still open and unanswered questions from the residents: • Will the officials hear the painful voices of the residents.

• Why does PFA want dogs to remain homeless and in conflict with residents. Why don’t they want to shelter them?

• Who will guarantee the safety of our ladies, children, patients and senior citizens?

• A small child was viciously attacked by a pack of stray dogs inside the society. Who will guarantee our safety?

• What are “community dogs” when they are attacking residents in the same community?

• Can law enforce dangerous animals into private gated premises?

• Do residents have no right to protect themselves ?Dogs have rights. Don’t humans have ?

• Are ABC guidelines above Article 21 – The fundamental right to life ?