NGOs Suspect Illegal Pickups in the Name of Sterilisation Drives
A sudden increase in cases of street dogs going missing from several localities in Agartala has triggered serious concern among animal welfare organisations. NGOs fear that illegal pickups are being carried out under the pretext of sterilisation drives, leading to confusion and anxiety among residents.
Over the past few days, multiple incidents of missing street dogs have been reported from different parts of the city. As a result, animal welfare groups have issued alerts, urging citizens to remain vigilant and not fall prey to individuals falsely claiming to represent NGOs.
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Pawsome NGO Receives Complaints from Dog Lovers
Wrighbed Dutta of Pawsome NGO confirmed that the organisation has received at least four complaints from concerned dog lovers. According to the complaints, unidentified individuals were seen capturing street dogs using jute bags. When questioned by residents, the men allegedly claimed they were conducting sterilisation work.
However, Dutta firmly denied any involvement by his organisation or other legitimate NGOs. He clarified that recognised animal welfare groups follow strict and humane procedures. Moreover, no authorised rescue team uses jute bags to handle dogs under any circumstances.
NGOs Warn of Inhumane and Illegal Practices
Dutta warned that using jute bags to capture dogs is both unsafe and inhumane. He further stated that such practices raise strong suspicion of illegal relocation or smuggling. According to him, dog haters may be misusing the banner of animal welfare to remove street dogs from certain areas.
“These actions not only endanger animals but also damage the credibility of genuine welfare organisations,” he said. Consequently, NGOs fear that public trust built over years of rescue and care efforts could be severely undermined.
Police Complaint and Night Patrols Initiated
In response to the growing concern, Pawsome NGO has decided to lodge a formal complaint with the police. The organisation has also deployed volunteers for late-night patrolling in areas considered vulnerable. The aim is to prevent further disappearances and gather information about suspicious activity.
Volunteers have been advised to alert authorities immediately if they notice individuals attempting to pick up dogs without proper identification or official documentation.
K Nine NGO Flags Rise in Dog Smuggling
Echoing similar concerns, K Nine NGO issued a public alert through social media. In a Facebook post, the organisation alleged a disturbing rise in dog smuggling activities following a recent Supreme Court ruling related to street dogs.
The NGO clarified that its rescue operations are strictly limited to sick, injured, or distressed animals. It also warned that unauthorised pickups are creating fear among residents and eroding trust in legitimate animal welfare efforts.
Residents Report Missing Dogs
Meanwhile, local residents have also shared their concerns. Dibyendu Chakma, a resident of Agartala, reported that several street dogs have gone missing from his locality. He noted that most incidents appeared to have occurred during the early morning hours.
Chakma urged citizens to stay alert and spread awareness within their neighbourhoods. He stressed that community participation is essential to protect street animals from harm.
Call for Coordinated Action
Animal welfare groups across Agartala are now calling for coordinated action involving citizens, police, and the administration. They have demanded a thorough investigation into the incidents to identify those responsible and prevent further disappearances.
NGOs have also appealed to authorities to ensure that sterilisation drives, if conducted, are transparent and properly monitored. Ultimately, they believe that safeguarding street dogs is essential not only for animal welfare but also for maintaining public trust in lawful rescue operations.
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