New Delhi: A day after the conclusion of G20 Summit in India, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) stated that it will release the stray dogs who were picked up from the streets for sterilization, vaccination and monitoring have been released to their areas.

According to an official statement, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Monday said the entire process is carried out as per the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.

“Dogs that have been collected for sterilization/vaccination/observation will be released to the respective location from where they were collected,” the statement said. The civic body has dismissed allegations made in recent days regarding dog handling, terming the protests as “against the spirit of community”.

“Unwarranted allegations/understandings for the sole purpose of winning points and serving interests are clearly against the public spirit. MCD is conscious about the welfare of dogs and requests people to avoid shenanigans,” he said.

The MCD’s decision to mass screen stray dogs in the city was challenged in the Delhi High Court on Monday, the statement said. It said the petition was dismissed with a direction that the MCD shall conduct itself in accordance with the ABC Rules, 2023, which he said it was required to do.

“Once again, one must ensure that, at the expense of repetition, all dog lifting and releasing operations are carried out in accordance with the ABC 2023 rules. MCD is a responsible, sensitive organization with the cause and take all actions accordingl, according to the provisions of law,” the statement said.

Several animal rights activists contacted MCD officials about collecting stray dogs and also sent a memorandum demanding the return of these stray dogs to their territories after the G20 summit.

Congress also jumped into the controversy, calling dog farming an act of cruelty and releasing a video on X showing stray dogs being dragged by their necks by chains. “Watch this video to see the horrifying cruelty the Modi government inflicted on innocent street dogs in preparation for the G20 summit. The dogs were dragged by their collars, beaten with sticks and thrown into cages . They do not have access to food and water, and they are subjected to extreme stress and fear,” the party wrote in its message.

Watch this video to witness the shocking cruelty inflicted upon innocent street dogs by the Modi government in preparation for the G20 summit.

Dogs are being dragged by their necks, beaten with sticks and thrown into cages. They are being denied food and water, and they are… pic.twitter.com/gObDAqiqiq

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 8, 2023