PETA, PFA ask AIU to change ‘cruel’ dog handler

Mumbai: The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) on Saturday received a letter from PETA and PFA (People for Animals) requesting it to change one of its dog handlers for his alleged cruelty to the Labrador named Holly who works for Customs. In their letter, the NGOs stated that the dog handler, Sandeep Pednekar, does not take care of the dog, keeps her tied up outside despite there being a room allotted for her by Customs, and physically abuses her including giving her electric shocks using a mosquito killing racket. They further alleged that the dog was not fed properly and not given adequate water to drink. The letter written to the chief commissioner of customs, zone III, requests immediate action against Mr Pednekar.

Nirali Karodia from PFA, has written the letter which reads, “It has come to our notice that a Labrador named ‘Holly’ has been subjected to cruelty by her handler Mr Pednekar. It has been alleged that Mr Pednekar does not take care of the dog and keeps her tied outside the house throughout. It has been represented to us that even though a room has been allotted by the customs department for the dog, she is kept tied outside without proper food and adequate water… She is physically tortured which includes electric shocks with a mosquito killing racket.”

Animal welfare officer, Meet Asher from PETA, spoke to Pradnyasheel Jumle, deputy commissioner, air intelligence unit, before visiting Mr Pednekar’s residence and then wrote to the chief commissioner of customs, Devendra Singh, about the alleged cruelty to Holly. According to Mr Asher, the dog had been tied using an extremely short lease which restricted her movement. During the visit, it was observed that there was no water bowl or bedding and neighbours revealed that the dog was kept in this condition every single day. The neighbours also stated that the dog was being deprived of basic comforts and necessities. The treatment meted out to the dog amounts to cruelty and is a punishable offence under section 11 (1) (a), (f), (g) and (h) of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.