Society does not allow unwell dog to use lift..

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Society does not allow unwell dog to use lift

New Sarvodaya CHS at Vashi feels society premises may be ruined if it is allowed

Posted On Friday, September 12, 2008

Nilesh Nikade

Owners of an old dog suffering from osteoarthritis seek help from animal welfare

organisations to convince their co-operative society to let their pet use the

building lift. Recently, the society had banned the use of lift for pets fearing

that it may ruin the society premises.

 

Ajay Marathe, a resident of New Sarvodaya Co-operative Housing Society at

Vashi's Sector 4 has now taken up a legal battle with the co-operative society

to allow their pet to use the building's lift. Marathe has a 11-year-old

Labrador called Shimu, which is suffering from osteoarthritis and is incapable

of ascending or descending the stairs.

 

Marathe, a chemical engineer said, " On May 28 this year, the society members

passed this decision to restrict my dog from using the building lift. When I

wrote to them about Shimu's problem, they asked me to produce a doctor's

certificate. However, even after producing it, the members continued to oppose. "

 

Marathe, then approached the Society for Prevention Against Cruelty to Animals

(SPCA), Mumbai, which sent a request to the society to allow Shimu to use the

lift. S B Kadam, chief inspector with SPCA said, " We personally met the society

members to understand their problems. They complained of a stench in the lift

due to the dog and so we told Marathe to use a freshener every time he took his

pet in the lift. "

 

However, the battle worsened on August 28, when a society member switched off

power to the lift when Marathe wanted to take Shimu on the lift. Marathe

complained about this to the Vashi police station and the society members filed

a cross complaint against him.

 

Members of Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and In defence of Animal

(IDA) have sent notices to the society to be lenient with Shimu. Nilesh Bhanage,

secretary and founder of PAWS said, " We have written to the society as the dog

is really in distress. Since the pet owner is ready to take responsibility, the

society members too should co-operate. "

 

Meanwhile, Marathe has shifted Shimu to his inlaws place at Pen in Raigad

district. " It is sad that we are unable to look after the dog who has lived with

us for his entire life, " adds Marathe.

 

Arvind Palwankar, the society chairman clarified that the decision has been

collectively taken by the society.

 

" We will produce all the papers to whichever authority is concerned with this

case. We too love animals and care for them, but not at the cost of human

lives, " said Palwankar.

 

 

It is sad that we are unable to look after the dog who has lived with us for his

entire life

- Ajay Marathe, owner of the dog