Prayagraj civic team attacked, dogs stolen during sterilisation drive

Stray dogs were stolen and a municipal team was attacked during a sterilisation drive in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Prayagraj Municipal Corporation officials stated that unidentified locals confronted the workers while they were rounding up stray dogs for the birth control programme. Police said the attackers pelted stones at the civic vehicles, injuring staff members and freeing several captured animals from the cages before fleeing the spot. The civic body lodged a formal complaint at the local police station. Police stated that an FIR has been registered against the unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and teams have been formed to trace the suspects and recover the stolen dogs. Authorities warned that obstructing public servants on duty is a punishable offence. Animal welfare workers pointed out that such incidents hinder the implementation of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which aim to manage stray dog populations humanely through sterilisation and vaccination. Officials added that security for future municipal sterilisation drives in the area will be stepped up to prevent similar attacks and ensure the safety of field workers.

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Prayagraj civic team attacked, dogs stolen during sterilisation drive

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