Former Soldier Shoots Dog in Agra, Locals Rush Injured Animal for Treatment

Former Soldier Shoots Stray Dog in Agra, Locals Rally to Save Injured Animal

Agra, October 2023 – In a distressing incident that has sparked outrage among animal lovers, a former soldier allegedly shot a stray dog in a residential area of Agra on Thursday. The injured animal was rushed to a nearby veterinary clinic by compassionate locals, who are now demanding action against the accused.  

The incident occurred in the Sikandra area when the dog, a regular in the neighborhood, was seen wandering near the accused’s property. According to eyewitnesses, the former soldier, identified as Rajesh Kumar (name changed), allegedly fired at the dog with an air gun, leaving the animal critically injured.  

“We heard a loud noise and saw the dog crying in pain. It had a deep wound on its leg and was bleeding heavily,” said Ramesh Gupta, a local resident. “We immediately called for help and took the dog to a nearby veterinary hospital.”  

The injured dog, named “Bholu” by locals, is currently undergoing treatment. Veterinarians have stated that the bullet narrowly missed vital organs, and the animal is expected to recover with proper care.  

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from animal rights activists and residents, who have filed a complaint with the local police. “This is a clear case of animal cruelty. Stray dogs are part of our community, and such acts of violence are unacceptable,” said Anjali Sharma, an animal welfare volunteer.  

Police have registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and are investigating the matter. The accused, however, claims that the dog was a nuisance and had bitten his child a few days ago. “I acted out of fear for my family’s safety. I didn’t mean to harm the animal severely,” Kumar reportedly told the police.  

Locals, however, dispute his claims, stating that the dog was friendly and had never shown aggression. “Bholu has been around for years. He’s harmless and loved by everyone in the area. This was an unnecessary act of violence,” said Meena Devi, a shopkeeper.  

Animal rights organizations have called for stricter enforcement of laws protecting stray animals and have urged the public to report such incidents. “Stray animals deserve compassion, not cruelty. We need to create awareness and ensure that such acts are punished,” said Dr. Arvind Singh, a local veterinarian.  

As Bholu recovers, the incident has reignited discussions about coexistence with stray animals and the need for humane solutions to address conflicts. For now, the community remains united in their efforts to ensure justice for the injured dog and prevent such incidents in the future.