Stray dogs enter deer enclosure in Sayajibag Zoo,kill one male,three females

According to officials,two dogs reportedly entered the deer enclosure from a small opening and attacked the deer. Around 4.30 am,the four deer,including one male and three females (two of them were pregnant),were found dead by the security staff.

“The deer were given to us by the Junagadh Zoo along with a tiger and bear as part of an exchange programme in March this year,” Makwana said.

Only last week,officials of the Central Zoo Authority had visited the zoo after the unusual death of a deer. Animal activists had pointed out irregularities,including ill-treatment of animals,in the zoo. CZA officials are yet to submit a report in the matter.

Makwana said Gohil would be served with a showcause notice and a chargesheet would be filed against him.

The civic body has also decided to slap a hefty fine on the agency responsible for security inside the zoo. “Reliable Security Services,which manages security inside the zoo,been asked to pay Rs 5 lakh as fine for negligence,” Makwana said.

The agency provides six security guards,who work in three shifts in the zoo.