The premises of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI), located on Amravati Road opposite National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Planning (NBSS), is witnessing a disturbing decline in its peacock population due to frequent attacks by stray dogs. According to local birdwatcher Rishabh Sharma, “the problem has been witnessed for several weeks, with multiple incidents of peacocks being mauled and eaten by stray dogs”. A concerned member of a local birding group, who resides near the area, brought the matter to light after witnessing the aftermath of these attacks.

 

“It’s heartbreaking to see these majestic birds being hunted down in a place meant for conservation and research,” Sharma stated. The peacock, India’s national bird, is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Any harm to them is considered a punishable offence. Despite this, the attacks continue unabated, raising concerns about both the safety of the birds and the lack of response from authorities. The issue has reportedly been brought to the notice of the Range Forest Officer (RFO), but residents allege that no concrete steps have been taken so far to address the situation, as the RFO deflects the issue by stating the area does not come under his jurisdiction. The presence of unchecked stray dogs not only endangers the peafowl population, but also poses a potential risk to other wildlife and people in the vicinity. Locals are urging the Forest Department and authorities to take swift action to relocate the stray dogs and implement protective measures for the peacocks. “It’s not just about the birds, it’s about preserving the balance of our urban ecosystems,” said another resident. 

 

PIL pending A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the menace of the stray dogs is pending at the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court. The menace of the stray dogs had been an issue for the past few months, as they have injured many citizens, including children whose gruesome videos have circulated on the internet. And now, these stray dogs are targetting birds, damaging the ecosystem further. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) needs to intensify efforts to capture the stray dogs to reduce the menace in order to keep the citizens and the animals safe.