Agartala Street Dogs Vanish: Animal Groups Suspect Illegal Captures Under NGO Guise
Animal welfare organizations and concerned residents in Tripura have sounded the alarm over the mysterious disappearance of street dogs in and around Agartala in recent days. They allege that unidentified individuals are capturing these animals under the false pretense of NGO-led sterilization efforts, sparking widespread concern and calls for immediate action.
Multiple Incidents Documented by Animal Welfare Groups
Pawsome, a non-governmental organization dedicated to working with street animals, has reported documenting at least four separate incidents of dogs being taken from various localities. According to eyewitness accounts, individuals have been seen collecting dogs using jute bags, and when confronted, they claim to be associated with NGOs involved in sterilization programs.
Pawsome and other animal welfare groups have categorically denied any involvement in such activities. They emphasize that they do not use jute bags to capture dogs for treatment, rescue, or sterilization, citing serious safety and humane handling concerns. Wrighbed Dutta, an executive at Pawsome, stated that he is unaware of any legitimate animal welfare organization that supports this method.
"The use of jute bags has sparked significant concerns, with apprehensions that individuals opposed to dogs may be misusing the pretense of NGOs to unlawfully relocate or remove street dogs from their environments," Dutta commented, highlighting the potential misuse of NGO identities for harmful purposes.
Increased Vigilance and Police Complaints Filed
In response to these alarming reports, Pawsome members have filed a formal complaint with the police. The organization has also stepped up its vigilance efforts, including conducting late-night patrols in areas they consider particularly vulnerable to such activities. This proactive approach aims to monitor and prevent further unauthorized captures of street dogs.
K Nine NGO, another Agartala-based animal welfare group, has issued a public alert warning of what it describes as a rise in dog smuggling following a recent Supreme Court decision related to street dogs. The group claims to receive multiple reports daily and alleges that smugglers are openly collecting dogs while falsely claiming links to NGOs.
K Nine clarified that its rescue operations are strictly limited to sick, injured, paralyzed, or critically ill dogs, and it does not pick up healthy street dogs. This distinction underscores the group's commitment to ethical practices and contrasts sharply with the alleged illegal activities.
Local Residents Report Missing Dogs and Urge Awareness
Local dog lover Dibyendu Chakma reported that several dogs in his area have gone missing, particularly during the early morning hours. He urged residents to stay alert and spread awareness to prevent further disappearances, emphasizing the need for community involvement in protecting these animals.
The situation has prompted animal welfare groups in Agartala to call for coordinated action involving citizens, police, and government authorities. They stress the importance of investigating these incidents thoroughly to safeguard street dogs and prevent legitimate rescue organizations from being undermined by alleged imposters.
This developing story highlights growing tensions over street animal management in urban areas and raises critical questions about animal welfare practices and regulatory oversight in Tripura.
