THANE: The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPR) on Tuesday has directed the Thane municipal corporation to ensure safety of children and elderly from potential stray dog attacks in the city following requests from two residents seeking its intervention.
Two Hiranandani Estate residents had approached the MSCPR recently expressing concerns about how the absence of designated feeding zones in the city was resulting in several animal and pet enthusiasts arbitrarily converting prominent locations into feeding areas. These spots, the residents complained, were becoming hazardous for children as some were situated near schools, playgrounds and parks frequented by youngsters.
The commission, through a notice issued to the municipal corporation, has also instructed the concerned department to apprise the commission about the remedial measures implemented regarding the matter.
“We had lodged complaints with the Thane corporation and the police regarding how certain animal lovers were feeding stray dogs on the roads and near venues frequented by children and senior citizens due to non-enforcement of feeding zones in the city. However, upon receiving no response, we sought MSCPR intervention as children’s rights were being compromised. Numerous children and their parents were apprehensive about outdoor activities fearing potential encounters with strays, which is unfair,” said Anubha Sahai, one of the applicants to the MSCPR.
An MSCPR delegation recently visited the Hiranandani Estate and conversed with several parents, subsequently issuing a notice to the Thane corporation on Tuesday requesting its action taken report within the next seven days.
A response from the Thane corporation was awaited.
