Cong MLA's stray dogs remark derogatory: Animal rights body

In a letter to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) said they were "appalled to hear" such an "irresponsible, inhumane and derogatory" statement by a member of Congress and sought action against him.

MLA Ajit Singh Mofar had moved a resolution in the Punjab Assembly on June 28, seeking to tackle stray dogs menace in the state by sending them to China, Nagaland and Mizoram for "whatever they do to them".

"We can make arrangements to catch such dogs, put them in jungle or zoos. Maybe we can then send them to Nagaland, Mizoram and China where they are more needed," he had said in a veiled reference to the practice in some communities in Northeastern states where dogs are killed for their meat.

FIAPO campaign coordinator Alokparna Sengupta said Mofar's statement is "not acceptable at all".

"We request you to kindly take necessary steps to reprimand such behaviour and also take precautions so as to prevent such future irresponsible statements by any Member of Parliament or political party," FIAPO Chief Executive Officer Arpan Sharma said in the letter.

It is important that the common man follow 'Ahimsa (non violence)' teachings and "not cruel and inhumane suggestions by irresponsible politicians", the letter said.

Mofar's remarks had also been condemned by animal rights activists, including BJP leader Maneka Gandhi, who said it was "derogatory" to the people of North-East.

The Congress too ticked off Mofar saying he is an avid skater and it would be better if he sticks to it.