Thane: Chow Chow dog abuse sparks political outcry

MLA Pratap Sarnaik visits the clinic with Chow Chow owner Varun Seth

The incident of a pet dog being abused at a Thane pet clinic has turned political, as leaders are now urging the police to file an FIR. Following the viral video, former minister Aaditya Thackeray called for the authorities to take serious action against those involved. On Thursday, MLA Pratap Sarnaik, aligned with the Eknath Shinde faction, visited the Vetic Pet Clinic, urging the police to take stringent measures.

Sarnaik said, "The video went viral across the country raising concern about cruelty to animals. Even the Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, received a related complaint. As the incident falls within my jurisdiction, I visited the clinic to investigate. I request the Thane Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre to file an FIR, in the matter even if a non-cognisable case has been booked.

"I had also contacted the veterinary official of the municipal corporation and officials from the Food & Drugs Administration to look into the matter and see that action is taken against the pet clinic owner too. We found that the pet clinic was also selling pet food items without an authorised license. I've asked the officials to see that the pet clinic is sealed and strict action is taken in the matter. Whether it be a human being or a pet, the law is the same for assault," added Sarnaik.

Kshama Shirodkar, a veterinary official at Thane Municipal Corporation, said, "We have prepared a letter demanding all permissions and licenses granted to the pet clinic. We will check if they running the facility illegally without the required documents. Appropriate action will be taken if there is any foul play."

Varun Seth, the owner of the Chow Chow pet dog said, "We are in the process of doing a medical check-up of the dog to see if he has any serious injuries. At the same time, today our local MLA Pratap Sarnaik visited the clinic and ordered the police to file an FIR in the matter. We hope strict action is taken against them and we get justice."