Ill-treating animals

Maneka Gandhi responds to queries raised by animal lovers across the city...

Where and how do I make a complaint about people who purposely ill treat stray animals? A dog in my locality has just delivered 5 puppies and we have made a makeshift hut for the puppies to protect them from the rains. However some residents are constantly threatening to throw the puppies away. The puppies are really small and completely dependent on their mom. Earlier too these people had thrown a tiny one into a drain. How can I tackle this situation?
You can complain to the BSPCA and talk to Colonel Khanna. Tell him that I have asked him to send his inspector to book these people under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960. However, a better way to do it would be to take mother and puppies into your flat or your friend’s flat till the puppies are old enough and try to have them adopted. Have the mother sterilised as soon as she stops feeding the puppies and the puppies when they are six months old.

I suggest that you also file a complaint under section 428/429 of the Indian Penal code against these people. This is non-bailable and the punishment is 3-5 years in jail.

I recently adopted an older dog and he scratches a lot. I give him frequent baths,  I don’t see any signs of fleas and yet he’s still scratching. What could be wrong? 
Your dog may very well be suffering from dry skin. I think too many baths contribute to his condition. Most dogs will do best with a bath no more than once a month. You can also add some vegetable oil to his food. Remember, if there is a slight smell, take a skin scraping for any fungus.