Protests erupt at ABC centre over stray dog pick-ups
2
Chandigarh: The Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre at Raipur Kalan turned into a protest site on Tuesday as residents from Sector 7 raised alarm over the Municipal Corporation's (MC) alleged removal of sterilized stray dogs from their locality.
The centre is currently handling operations after the temporary closure of the Sector 38-West facility for renovation.
Residents claimed that MC vans picked up dogs already sterilized, identifiable by notched ears. "When I asked the drivers where they were taking the dogs, they said they had orders but offered no explanation," said Veena Rajput, a local resident.
The protest follows a recent Supreme Court directive for Delhi-NCR authorities to confine street dogs and expand shelter capacity within eight weeks.
Locals fear this may lead to indiscriminate removal of healthy, sterilized dogs.
Yogita Kumari, an NGO worker from Mohali, alleged that even dogs under medical care were taken. "They just want to wipe them all out," said Neeru Saharan, whose dog undergoing treatment was picked up.
When residents tried to enter the Raipur Kalan facility to check on the dogs, they were stopped by security. SPCA supervisor Sourav Sharma confirmed that MC had instructed staff not to allow visitors.
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By evening, the protest intensified with residents holding placards reading "No Relocation" and "Sterilization is the Way," alongside candlelight vigils and Indian flags.
MC officials did not respond to calls for comment. However, an internal source stated that the pick-ups were part of routine action targeting unhealthy or aggressive dogs, often flagged by residents themselves.
At the heart of the issue is a lack of transparency. While authorities insist removals are based on health and safety concerns, residents allege that sterilized and non-aggressive dogs are being taken without justification.
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