Following mid-day's earlier report on the illegal relocation of stray dogs from a Kandivli SRA housing society to Aarey Milk Colony, 11 of the rescued dogs have now been sterilised and vaccinated and returned to the society premises on Friday.

Vijay Rangare, honorary animal welfare officer and Mumbai president of the NGO People for Animals (PFA), told mid-day, “SRA officials have assured us that the administrator appointed to oversee the society will instruct members not to harass or relocate the dogs. If anyone is found doing so, a police complaint will be filed under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.”

Rangare had earlier lodged a complaint with the SRA head office on April 21. In response, the SRA directed the housing society to adhere strictly to legal provisions regarding the treatment of pets and community animals. Besides the 11 dogs that had been rescued, two puppies were found dead, and six dogs remained missing. A search operation is still underway to locate the missing animals.