By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 18: The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) on Friday expressed serious concern over the growing menace of street dogs reportedly attacking pedestrians in various localities of Shillong and urged the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) to act without further delay.
The MPMC further stated that the safety and well-being of the people of Shillong must not be compromised.
MPMC president Joplyn Scott Shylla informed that there had been increasing reports of citizens, especially women, children and the elderly, being chased or bitten by stray dogs, creating fear and insecurity among the public.
“It is alarming that despite multiple incidents being reported, the municipal authorities remain silent and inactive. We believe that public safety must be the topmost priority, and urgent action is needed to prevent further harm,” she said.
The MPMC president also strongly urged the municipal board and concerned departments to immediately take steps to catch and relocate these street dogs to a proper shelter or holding facility.
Shylla said the city cannot wait for a tragedy to occur before the administration responds responsibly.
She further mentioned that, as per recent court directions, the government and municipal authorities are already tasked with addressing this issue, including the construction of dog shelters and the implementation of sterilisation and vaccination drives.
“However, the pace of implementation is far too slow, and the public continues to suffer in the meantime,” the MPMC president said.