COIMBATORE: Prani Mithran, an NGO operating the city's Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre, is set to lose its licence after a viral video showed its members handling a stray dog harshly.
The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has decided to initiate action against it. CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said the civic body has lodged a police complaint and moved to cancel its contract and licence.
"We are in the process of registering an FIR against the NGO with the Kuniyamuthur Police. Once we receive the FIR copy, we will proceed to cancel the contract with them. Before that, we need to ensure arrangements to either relocate or hand over the responsibility of the strays currently under their care. Their licence will be suspended immediately thereafter," the commissioner told the TNIE.
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced showing a dog being aggressively caught by its limb, dragged, and thrown into a net during an operation at Sai Garden in Ward 87. Another staff member was also heard instructing the team to throw stones at dogs. The visuals triggered widespread condemnation from animal welfare activists and residents.
Animal lovers expressed fears about the treatment of strays inside the ABC centre if such untrained handling is taking place in public. "This is a clear violation of humane handling practices. If they cannot manage basic dog catching, how can we trust the sterilisation process inside the centre?" asked an activist.
This is not the first time Prani Mithran has faced allegations. In the past, the NGO's work drew heavy criticism from CCMC council members and animal welfare groups. Accusations included sterilising only male dogs, not following proper medical procedures, poor upkeep and maintenance of the ABC centre, and even illegally keeping a monkey at the Ondipudur ABC centre, a controversy that led to the intervention of the Madras High Court.
Owing to these allegations, the civic body had previously suspended the NGO's contract, but the decision was revoked after a legal challenge. Now, activists have renewed their demand to blacklist the NGO permanently.
Meanwhile, the commissioner said the corporation will focus on ensuring that all personnel engaged in dog-catching operations undergo proper training. "We will insist on humane handling and the correct use of equipment to prevent such incidents in the future," he added.