Hired to sterilise stray dogs, Doggy Lane in the dock

Doggy Lane, the private company hired by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation to sterlise stray dogs, has been accused of mistreating and abandoning the animals, post sterilisation. Founder of Sachi Sewa Animal Welfare Society Swami Khushi has alleged that the company does not provide post-operation care to the animals.

“Ten days ago, I sent nine animals to Doggy Lane for sterlisartion. On July 26, I received a call from them informing me that the operations had been completed and that the animals would be sent back. The following morning, I observed that three of my animals had been swapped, while three others suffered gaping wounds,” alleged Khushi.

Khushi added that the animals were taken to Dr R N Bhardwaj, a nominee of Animal Welfare Board, who expressed displeasure with the process of sterilisation employed by Doggy Lane, and advised medical treatment for the animals.

“I am very disappointed. If these animals are treated with such negligence and cruelty, I wonder what will be the fate of those lifted from the streets,” Khushi added.

Ludhiana senior deputy mayor and member of Doggy Lane’s regulatory committee Parveen Kumar Bansal said: “The issue has not yet been brought to my notice. We are following the norms for sterilisation and will monitor any negligence.

I will discuss the issue with Municipal Officer (Health) Dr Charanjeet Uppal and ask him to see if any wrong has been done.”

Launched on May 26, the dog sterilisation campaign in Ludhiana is the biggest campaign in northern India, under which nearly 25,000 stray dogs will be sterilised by Doggy Lane. A total amount of Rs 1.5 crore has been invested in the project.