Controversy has erupted over the removal of dogs from Delhi’s IGI Airport. Animal lovers have alleged cruelty, while officials have cited safety of passengers and more than 30 bite cases in 3 months.
New Delhi: The issue of removing stray dogs from the premises of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) has become heated on social media. Animal lovers have shared pictures and videos related to this action, after which a lot of anger is being seen against the airport authority.
‘The dogs were brutally removed’
Animal welfare activist Priyanshi raised the issue on social media. He alleged that an old dog named ‘Kadu’, who was living in the airport premises for about 14 years, was missing since March 26. The dogs were removed from the spot as part of preparations for an international summit. Priyanshi alleges that the dogs which had been sterilized and vaccinated and which were of calm nature, were also caught brutally by the authorities. In the videos he shared, the dogs were seen in a very weak condition, raising suspicions whether they had been given drugs.
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Anger erupted on social media
As soon as these videos went viral, people started strongly criticizing them on social media. One user wrote, “This is cruelty in human form.” While another commented, “Officers should stop thinking that the world is only for humans.” Many people also questioned how an old dog with no teeth could be considered dangerous.
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Officials gave their clarification
After criticism increased, Delhi Airport officials issued an official statement. “The dog seen in the video had bitten two passengers on March 30 and 31. On April 2, when the same dog again tried to attack passengers, a trained team caught it safely. More than 30 cases of dog bites have been reported on the airport premises in the last three months,” he said.
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The officials stressed that the safety of passengers is their first priority and the dogs were caught following all safety rules. At the same time, animal lovers are saddened by the sudden disappearance and treatment of the dogs whom they had been caring for for years. This matter has now become a big debate about the safety of stray dogs versus the safety of common people.