Shocking! 26 stray dogs died due to starvation; FIR filed against NESCO employees

An FIR has been registered against two persons on Sunday, July 28, for allegedly starving 26 stray dogs to death at a popular exhibition ground in Goregaon.

This development came after a Mumbai couple working for animal welfare complained that they are not being allowed to feed community dogs at NESCO compound.

The 29-year-old Mehek Sharma, who is a resident of Goregaon East, in her FIR stated that NESCO barred the feeders from entering the premises. They were also providing medical assistance to 40 odd strays that were taking shelter amid torrential rainfall.

Due to starvation, at least 20 dogs died and six others were killed as they could not get medical attention.

Of the two accused, one is a member of the management while the other is a security guard, FIR stated. But, no arrests have been made so far.

Sharma, an animal lover, told the police that she and her husband had been feeding the stray dogs for quite some time and they also took them to veterinarians in and around the premises, however, the security guard named Maurya and the management employee named Mini refused them from entering to offer care for the strays.

The FIR further mentioned that on July 22, the NESCO management had called them for a meeting. However, their photos were clicked, and they were forbidden from feeding any dogs or entering the premises.

The couple said in their complaint that they had been feeding about 35 to 40 community dogs inside Nesco over a year with their funds.

For the past three to four months, they have been prohibited from entering the compound, which resulted in the starvation of the community dogs. The couple further stated that when they got an ambulance to take sick dogs to a vet, the vehicle was not allowed entry into the NESCO compound.

An animal welfare group, PAL Foundation, whose members comprise lawyers, helped the couple register a police complaint.

Based on the complaint filed by Sharma and the PAL Foundation for Animals, an NGO, the Vanrai police registered an FIR under sections 325 (mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless any animal) and section 351 (2) (criminal intimidation) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).