Abandoned Pit Bull Poses Public Threat in Kochi Park
A male American Pit Bull was discovered abandoned at Subhash Park in Kochi on Sunday evening. The unsupervised dog created a serious risk for park visitors and the animal itself. Concerned visitors quickly alerted the authorities about the wandering dog.
Swift Rescue Operation by SPCA Team
A team from the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responded immediately to the emergency call. Led by SPCA secretary T K Sajeev, the team successfully captured the dog by Sunday night. The rescue operation prevented potential harm to the public and secured the distressed animal.
After the capture, veterinarians conducted thorough medical examinations at a local veterinary hospital. The Pit Bull was then transferred to a secure shelter for proper protection and ongoing care. Rescuers noted the dog appeared weary and exhausted from lack of food and water.
Deliberate Abandonment Suspected
SPCA officials strongly suspect someone deliberately abandoned the powerful breed in the public park. Sajeev emphasized that allowing such dogs to roam freely creates especially dangerous situations. Fear, hunger or stress can trigger unpredictable behaviour in these animals, he explained.
This poses particular risks to vulnerable groups including children, elderly visitors and other animals in the park. Meanwhile, the abandoned dog itself faces multiple dangers including potential injury, abuse or traffic accidents.
Legal Violations and Public Safety Concerns
Sajeev clarified that abandoning any dog, especially a strong breed like a Pit Bull, constitutes serious negligence. This action violates multiple animal welfare laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Municipal Act provisions.
The SPCA secretary revealed this particular dog had been wandering the area for over a week before capture. During that time, it reportedly attacked another dog near the district veterinary hospital. Even if the dog accidentally got loose, that situation is not acceptable in public spaces, Sajeev added.
Strict Ownership Verification Required
Several individuals have attempted to claim ownership of the rescued Pit Bull. However, SPCA officials maintain strict protocols for releasing animals. The dog will only be handed over to someone who can legally prove ownership through proper documentation or court intervention.
Sajeev highlighted that Pit Bulls are considered highly aggressive breeds subject to restrictions in many locations. Cities like Chennai have banned keeping breeds including Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. International regulations often prohibit bringing such dogs into public spaces due to safety concerns.
The SPCA secretary referenced the tragic mauling of a boy in Delhi as a sobering example of what can happen when powerful breeds are improperly managed. Letting such animals loose in public spaces constitutes cruelty toward both animals and people, according to animal welfare experts.
