Shillong, July 18: The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) has expressed deep concern over the growing menace of stray dogs attacking pedestrians in various localities of Shillong.
MPMC president Joplyn Scott Shylla said today that reports of citizens, especially women, children, and the elderly being chased or bitten by stray dogs have become increasingly frequent, creating fear and insecurity among the public.
The MPMC stated that public safety must be the topmost priority and urged the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and concerned departments to take immediate action to address the issue.
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Specifically, the MPMC has called for the SMB to catch and relocate stray dogs to proper shelters or holding facilities.
“It is alarming that despite multiple incidents being reported, the municipal authorities remain silent and inactive. The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress believes that public safety must be the topmost priority, and urgent action is needed to prevent further harm,” Shylla said.
“We strongly urge the Shillong Municipal Board and concerned departments to immediately take steps to catch and relocate these street dogs to a proper shelter or holding facility. The city cannot wait for a tragedy to occur before the administration responds responsibly,” she stated.
This plea comes in light of recent court directions tasking the government and municipal authorities with addressing the issue, including constructing dog shelters and implementing sterilization and vaccination drives.
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However, the MPMC has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of implementation, stating that the public continues to suffer in the meantime.
The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress also called on the government and the SMB to act without further delay.
“The safety and well-being of the people of Shillong must not be compromised,” Shylla stated.
(Newmai News Network)