Maneka Gandhi visits PCMC pound and Parulekar’s animal shelter

Gandhi,the chairperson of People for Animals (PFA),later held a meeting with Pronoti Vyas,who had petitioned the HC that Parulekar was ill-treated. She also met Pradeep Havnur,Vyas’ lawyer,besides Supriya Bose,animal welfare officer,Manoj Oswal,unit head,People For Animals Pune,RK Joshi,convenor,Bombay High Court Animal Welfare Committee,and others.

About the animal shelter,she said,“We have set up a committee to sort out the system. The first thing we need is a fence and a proper structure for animals here. It is a pity that Lila’s work has been reduced to shambles. But we will work together to set things right.”

Regarding the allegations of the bid to grab Parulekar’s land,she said,“We have full faith in the court. I am happy to see that volunteers are so involved here.” Gandhi,later visited Parulekar at Jehangir Hospital.

On Thursday,Gandhi had visited the PCMC dog pound at Mohannagar in Chinchwad to review it. She urged animal lovers to register themselves under a group,divide duties,identify people to donate utensils,and other equipment required,and work in liaison with Municipal Corporation officials and police. “My aim in life is to save as many animals as possible. I want Pune’s animal lovers to work unitedly to make a difference. The PCMC pound is a priority. I met PCMC Commissioner Ashish Sharma and he has agreed to allow one NGO to handle the working of the pound. It is Maharashtra’s tendering process that is destroying the work. One NGO catches dogs,another gets them released. There are no records,no bowls to feed the animals. This needs to change,” she added.