Surat: Man booked for killing stray dog

SURAT: Based on a complaint lodged by a dog lover in Pal area of the city, Adajan police booked a resident of Palanpore Gam on Sunday for allegedly killing a stray dog.
The complainant alleged that he had to run in circles for seven days to get his offence registered, but ny then the carcass was already disposed by the local civic authorities before investigation could take place.
Police booked accused Hitesh Patel under various sections of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Indian Penal Code for killing the stray canine. “Initially when we approached the Adajan police, they laughed at us and were not at all ready to register an offence. After getting help from the office of Maneka Gandhi and the Animal Welfare Board of India, did cops register my plaint,” said Hemant Jain, a stock trader and a dog lover who kept feeding strays throughout lockdown.
“Me and other dog lovers who regularly go to feed stray dogs in Palanpore Gam area were also threatened with our lives, but police did not mention this in the FIR. I doubt if police will take any strict actions in the case,” Jain added.
“Police have registered an offence and if needed the accused will be arrested. The person who killed the dog doubted that it was a rabid dog,” said J B Bumbadia, police inspector, Adajan police station.