CHENNAI: There has been an increase in attacks on the deer population by stray dogs inside the campus of Madras Christian College (MCC), Tambaram, and it is alleged that the college administration is not taking sufficient steps to protect the wildlife.
According to wildlife authorities, there has been an increase in the attacks on the deer population with at least two attacks being reported in July.
“As soon as the second attack was reported last Friday, we decided to take up the issue with the college authorities,” Forest Range Officer (FRO), Tambaram, M S Parthiban said adding that wildlife officials would hold a meeting with the college authorities.
On Thursday, a six-yearold male spotted deer was attacked by a pack of ferocious dogs and was wounded in the face and neck. When a Blue Cross ambulance came the next day to rescue the animal, it was not allowed citing college ‘rules.’ Subsequently, the wildlife authorities rescued the wounded deer and sent it to Vandalur zoo.K Manoharan, Councillor, Ward 15, Tambaram Municipality, under whose limit the college falls, said the administration’s efforts to tackle the issue were woefully inadequate.
“It is not only the attack by dogs, but some of the staff members of the MCC are helping deer hunting for its meat,” K Manoharan, Councillor, Ward 15, Tambaram Municipality, alleged.
BASELESS, SAYS PRINCIPAL: MCC principal Alexander Jesudasan said the councillor’s charges were baseless.
“We are deeply interested in protecting the wildlife and none of our staffers are involved in deer hunting,” he said.Asked if it were true that a Blue Cross ambulance was turned away, he said there were some regulations to be followed.
“Our curator is taking care of everything,” he said.
