Sun Sep 21 15:17:08 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Coimbatore Dog Catchers Accused of Animal Cruelty; Corporation Responds**
**Coimbatore, India – September 21, 2025** – Animal welfare activists in Coimbatore are raising serious concerns about the methods used to capture stray dogs, following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a dog catcher allegedly mishandling an animal.
The video, which went viral on social media, depicts an individual from a non-governmental organization (NGO) contracted to manage the Coimbatore Corporation’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres at Vellalore and Ondipudur, grabbing a dog by its leg, spinning it, and netting it in the Kuniyamuthur area.
“Stray dogs are already stressed by the presence of dog-catching vehicles,” explains Sheela Rajesh, a veteran dog rescuer. “Improper handling only exacerbates their fear, potentially leading to aggression and increased risk of attacks.”
Another animal welfare activist, speaking anonymously, alleges that many dog catchers employed by these NGOs lack adequate training. The pressure to respond to numerous calls, they claim, often results in rushed captures that bypass established protocols and endanger the animals’ well-being.
Activists are demanding stricter monitoring by the Coimbatore Corporation to ensure adherence to humane practices, as mandated by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). These guidelines emphasize gentle capture methods that minimize stress to the animals.
In response to the outcry, a senior Corporation official announced that the management of the ABC centres at Vellalore and Ondipudur would be transferred to other NGOs. Furthermore, a case has been registered with the Kuniyamuthur police against the previous NGO for animal cruelty.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing public safety concerns related to stray dog populations with the ethical treatment of animals. Further investigation and reform of dog-catching practices in Coimbatore are anticipated.
First Piper 