The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to file suggestions on how to deal with the monkey and stray dog menace in Shimla and its surroundings. The court has also advised the Advocate General to consult other bodies that have successfully eradicated monkey menace, such as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in Andhra Pradesh. The next hearing is scheduled for July 17, 2023.
The court’s order comes after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by a group of citizens who raised concerns about the safety of residents and tourists in Shimla due to the increasing number of monkeys and stray dogs. The PIL also alleged that the Municipal Corporation Shimla has not been able to effectively control the monkey and stray dog menace.
The court’s order is a welcome step, and it is hoped that the AWBI and the Municipal Corporation Shimla will be able to come up with a comprehensive plan to deal with the monkey and stray dog menace in Shimla.
