Srinagar, February 6:
Shock and outrage gripped the Srinagar stadium area in Milan Chakra under AMC on Friday after multiple dead dogs and cats were discovered inside the residence of retired BSNL supervisor Sunil Chandra Das. Residents alleged that the house had been functioning as an unregistered animal shelter without proper oversight or care for the animals.
Locals identified a woman, Nibedita Sengupta, as managing the rescued animals for several years. According to neighbours, the home had been receiving dogs, cats, and even monkeys, but many were reportedly left uncared for, leading to the deaths of numerous animals whose carcasses were allegedly dumped inside the premises.
Neighbours said they had repeatedly complained about the foul odor emanating from the house over several months, but claimed no action was taken by local authorities. The issue came to wider attention only after local NGOs were informed and volunteers entered the property, discovering several dead animals.
Volunteers reported that the surviving animals were being fed poor-quality, nearly spoiled food. They also found expired veterinary medicines, used syringes, and other materials inside the residence, raising serious concerns about the welfare and treatment of the animals.
Animal welfare organisations have condemned the incident, calling it a grave case of neglect and cruelty. They demanded a thorough investigation into the operations of the unregistered shelter and strict action against those responsible.
Residents and activists emphasised the need for stricter regulation and monitoring of animal shelters, highlighting that unregistered facilities pose a serious risk to animal welfare and public health. Authorities are expected to take cognizance of the matter following NGO reports, and the incident has sparked widespread calls for accountability and reform in local animal rescue practices.
The discovery has left the community disturbed and has reignited discussions about responsible rescue operations, proper care for animals, and enforcement of animal welfare laws in the region.
