Animal rights activists staged a protest march in Chandigarh on Tuesday, condemning Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's recent statement advocating the elimination of stray dogs. The demonstrators, representing various animal welfare organizations, gathered at the Sector 17 plaza and marched towards the Punjab Civil Secretariat, carrying placards and chanting slogans against the chief minister's remarks.
Protest Details
The march, organized by the People for Animals (PFA) and other groups, saw participation from over 200 activists. They demanded that the state government adopt humane methods to manage the stray dog population instead of resorting to culling. The activists also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner's office, urging the government to implement sterilization and vaccination programs effectively.
Activists' Demands
The protesters listed several demands, including the immediate withdrawal of the chief minister's statement, a comprehensive animal birth control program, and strict enforcement of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001. They also called for the formation of a committee comprising animal welfare experts to devise a long-term strategy for stray dog management.
Government Response
In response to the protest, a spokesperson from the Punjab Chief Minister's Office clarified that the remarks were taken out of context and that the government is committed to humane animal welfare. The spokesperson added that the state has already allocated funds for sterilization drives and is working with NGOs to address the issue.
The protest comes amid growing concerns over stray dog attacks in Punjab, with several incidents reported in recent months. However, activists argue that culling is not a sustainable solution and that sterilization and public awareness campaigns are more effective.
