LMC cracks down on stray pigs

Also,it is considering setting up a pig colony on the outskirts where the animals would be relocated.

With the help of the experts,the Corporation plans to launch a three-day drive next week.

“The decision was taken after reports came in of pigs being caught in an inhuman manner. The present way of catching pigs is by placing an iron collar around the neck and pulling them. We decided to take the help of the experts from Bihar,trained in catching pigs,” said Shailesh Kumar Singh,Lucknow Municipal Commissioner.

Pig catchers in Bihar cover the animal from three sides with the help of long bamboo panels. They are then directed towards the van. “The manner is simpler and there is no chance of the animals or the pig catchers getting hurt in the process,” he said.

“Also instead of keeping the pigs in the city,we are planning to set up a colony for them in the outskirts,” said Singh.

The municipal officials have been instructed to contact the experts by this week. A team will be sent to Bhabua town of Kaimur district in Bihar. “The pig catchers residing in the town have been doing this job for generations. Even a few years ago,when a similar problem had arisen in the city,the LMC had contacted them to trap the pigs,” Singh said.

“We are hoping to finalise the modalities by next week. They were paid Rs 150 for trapping a pig and we will pay them per trapping this time too,” said Singh.