Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has criticised the way puppies were handled during an unusual protest against the stray dog problem in Niphad, Nashik, after a video of the incident went viral.
The protest was led by Yuva Sena functionary Vikram Randhave and his supporters at the Niphad Nagar Panchayat office. The protesters entered the chamber of Chief Officer Dheeraj Bhamre and placed puppies on his desk to highlight what they alleged was a lack of action against the growing stray dog problem.
The protesters claimed that residents had repeatedly complained about stray dogs and dog-bite incidents in the area. Randhave said the demonstration was intended to pressure the civic administration into taking action.
The incident drew criticism after videos showed the puppies being brought into the office in sacks before being placed on the official’s table. The manner in which the animals were handled became a major point of concern.
Reacting to the video, Thackeray said he was disturbed by the treatment of the dogs. He said the issue of stray dog attacks and the civic administration’s response could be questioned, but the animals should not have been handled in that manner.
Thackeray said he had issued a stern warning to the party office-bearer and asked him to apologise. He also made it clear that such a method of protest was not in line with the party’s position. The office-bearer later apologised and expressed regret, according to Thackeray.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case against Randhave and his associates in connection with the incident. The reported charges include allegedly obstructing a public servant and provisions relating to animal cruelty. No arrests had been made at the time of the latest reports.
The Niphad civic administration has said steps were already being taken to address the stray dog issue, including plans related to sterilisation and shelter arrangements.
The unusual protest has therefore drawn attention to two separate issues — complaints over stray dog attacks in Niphad and the conduct of the protesters while raising the matter with civic officials.
