Chennai, 02 January (H.S.) : A major controversy erupted at the Madras High Court premises following a massive operation by the Greater Chennai Corporation to remove street dogs.
Animal rights activists and rescuers staged a protest at the campus entrance, alleging that the civic body’s actions were in direct violation of the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023.
According to the protesters, at least fourteen corporation vehicles entered the high-security zone early in the morning and captured twenty-seven dogs. While twenty-two of these animals were reportedly taken to the Pulianthope shelter, others were moved to a facility in Manali.
The activists expressed deep concern over the methods used during the capture, claiming that untrained personnel were employed for the task. They pointed out that several dogs taken away were already sterilized and vaccinated, which contradicts statutory norms.
Furthermore, rescuers alleged that two dogs died during the process and that a lactating mother was removed while her puppies were left behind. The protesters argued that birth control centers are meant only for temporary sterilization procedures and not for the permanent housing of healthy animals, which could lead to overcrowding and the spread of infections.
The Greater Chennai Corporation maintained that the removal was necessary to ensure safety within the court premises. Authorities stated that the action followed specific directions regarding security and public safety. They suggested that the captured dogs could be adopted by the activists if they wished to ensure their welfare.
However, animal welfare groups countered that relocation without proper shelters is an impractical solution. Despite the heated arguments and initial resistance, some activists eventually agreed to adopt the dogs to prevent them from being kept in suboptimal conditions. The situation remains tense as activists demand a review of the civic body’s adherence to animal welfare laws.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
