Feline ‘threat’ at PM’s residence

NEW DELHI: First snakes and now cats, all kinds of non-human threats are besieging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's sprawling residence.

Anxious not to be caught catnapping on the job, security officials at the august residence sought the expertise of senior Delhi Zoo officials in tackling the feline menace.

"Though we only deal with wild animals, our experts will try to suggest ways to put an end to the problem," said a zoo official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Senior officials said it was only after stray cats were seen ambling in and around 7
Race Course Road, a complex of four spacious bungalows linked to each other, that they had to press the panic button and ask for help from the zoo officials.

A few months ago, the prime ministerial residence had to deal with the menace of non-
venomous snakes in the leafy gardens.

"Our job is to protect the prime minister and we are taking all steps to do our job," said a senior official of SPG (Special Protection Group).

Officials said the snakes that were found in the gardens, which the prime minister uses for his morning walks, were non-venomous wolf snakes.

"These snakes have large fangs but are not poisonous," said the zoo official.
However, not all animals go hiss over here.

The gardens are also home to friendly peacocks which  preen and dance in front
of photographers and television cameras during major prime ministerial event.