Allegations Surface of Inhumane Treatment of Stray Dogs Amidst G20 Preparations in Delhi
As Delhi gears up for the G20 Summit, allegations have emerged against municipal authorities for dogs, accusing them of engaging in questionable practices concerning stray dogs. Activists and NGOs focused on animal welfare claim that stray dogs are being rounded up using nooses and subsequently held in shelter homes, under deplorable conditions. This purported act, they argue, is aimed at ensuring the convenience of VVIPs during the high-profile event.
In an investigation led by local media, two dog enthusiasts were interviewed outside a shelter home in Masoodpur, administered by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, located near Vasant Kunj in South Delhi. They contended that not only are dogs being collected from areas directly affected by the G20 Summit, but also from other locations. Shockingly, the dogs are not being relocated to shelters in proximity to their original habitats; instead, they are allegedly being transported to distant places.
Saahil, one of the dog enthusiasts, decried the methods used in capturing the dogs as illegal. He cited evidence in the form of videos circulating on social media that purportedly showcase the use of nooses in these operations. Additionally, Saahil highlighted the plight of an elderly dog at the shelter, which he has been attempting to adopt for the past four days, but has been met with resistance.
Furthermore, Saahil expressed concern over the conditions in which these dogs are being kept. He shared a video displaying water bowls tainted with urine, emphasizing the need for improved care. Both Saahil and his fellow enthusiast, Gunjan, expressed frustration over restrictions placed on photographing and videotaping the shelter premises. They called for greater transparency, especially in light of a meeting with the MCD, during which volunteers had offered to assist in relocating dogs from areas slated for G20 delegate visits.
Gunjan pointed out that clarity and transparency were vital in this situation. She criticized the withdrawal of a circular issued by the MCD after their meeting, suggesting that it created confusion and potentially led to actions being taken unlawfully. Gunjan further accused the authorities of apprehending elderly dogs and depositing them in remote locations, rather than relocating them to nearby shelters.
In response to these allegations, activists from the House of Stray Animals and Happy Tails Foundation convened a meeting with Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi. They submitted a memorandum protesting the alleged indiscriminate round-up of stray dogs by the corporation for the G20 Summit, which they claimed was carried out without proper authorization.
The activists implored Mayor Oberoi to return the stray dogs to their original areas, an action they argue would be in the best interest of both the animals and the community. The MCD, in its defense, stated that dogs were only being collected in cases of “urgent need” and promised their release back into their respective territories. This situation has ignited a passionate debate about animal welfare and the ethical treatment of strays, particularly in the lead-up to major international events.
The allegations surrounding the treatment of stray dogs in Delhi have ignited a fervent discussion on animal welfare and ethical practices, especially in the context of major international events like the upcoming G20 Summit. The claims made by activists and NGOs highlight the need for transparent and compassionate policies when it comes to dealing with stray animals. It is imperative for authorities to address these concerns promptly and ensure that the welfare of these animals is prioritized alongside preparations for high-profile events.
