FIR Against 5 in Alleged Killing of Community Dog at Madh Society

Mumbai: A community dog, Mickey, which resided at Raheja Exotica society complex in Madh Island since 2020, was killed with a heavy rod and thrown outside, animal activists and residents said.

Mickey went missing from the society on May 28. Residents searching for the dog found that CCTV footage was not available from around that period.

Animal activist Xavier Santiago, who worked for the central Animal Welfare Board of India, told TOI: “An FIR has been lodged at Malvani police station against four housekeeping persons and the society secretary, for animal cruelty and destruction of evidence. At present, police inquiry is on, and so the statements of all the accused persons are being sought.“ He added that CCTV footage within the society was not available since the night of May 27, and much after Mickey went missing. “We later came to know from another housekeeping staffer how the docile community dog was beaten, put inside a gunny sack and thrown outside,“ said Santiago.

Film actor Manjiri Fadnis posted a video on social networks about the killing. In an earlier video post, she stated: “Mickey was a happy dog who lived within our society since the Covid outbreak. He was hit with a heavy rod, leading to profuse bleeding and disorientation. Mickey was then put inside a ‘goni’ (sack) while still alive and thrown out.“

TOI reached out to Fadnis, who texted that she was waiting for the full outcome of the police investigation.

Malad-based animal feeder, Madhu Chanda, said: “Several animal lovers and activists have shown concern after seeing Manjari Fadnis’ video in which she is crying, talking about Mickey. I feel that after the recent Supreme Court order on stray dogs, many animal haters feel that they can now kill or harm animals, which shows their psychopathic trait.“