Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Feb 6: Villagers from Uppoor staged a protest in front of the Udupi district commissioner’s office on Thursday, opposing the proposed construction of a stray dog shelter in their locality. The protesters submitted a memorandum to additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, demanding that the project be shifted to a remote and uninhabited area.
The district administration has initiated steps to construct a shelter for stray dogs to address the growing menace. The proposed facility is planned on nearly nine acres of land and is expected to accommodate around 18,000 stray dogs. Officials have stated that the shelter is likely to be constructed within the next few months.
However, residents of Uppoor have expressed strong opposition, stating that although the village has several acres of government land and is being considered for urban development, it is unfair to locate a stray dog shelter in their area.
The protesters pointed out that Uppoor has been notified under the urban development authority and is expected to be included in the municipal corporation limits in the future. They alleged that several development projects, including a proposed university sub-division, police quarters, and colleges, were earlier cancelled, and now the authorities are planning to establish a dog shelter instead. “This will affect the peace of our village. Thousands of dogs in one place will disturb the environment and hinder development,” the villagers said.
They also alleged that the gram panchayat was not informed about the project and that no consultation was held with local residents. The villagers demanded that priority be given to public welfare, including providing land and ownership rights to poor families in the village, before implementing such projects.
Stating that Uppoor is not a backward village and has great potential for development, the residents warned of intensifying their agitation if the administration fails to reconsider its decision. They urged the authorities to address the needs of the people before proceeding with animal welfare initiatives.
Addressing the protesters, MLA Yashpal Suvarna said, “Before planning any project, its pros and cons must be discussed. Today, you have made the government aware of its mistake. I will always stand with you.”
Former minister Jayaprakash Hegde said, “Many people adopt dogs and later abandon them on the streets. If owners take proper care, there would be no need for such shelters. The government and district administration should focus on reducing the number of stray dogs through sterilization to prevent such situations.”