Coronavirus scare: 'Stay away from animals' banner to be removed

21 March,2020 07:25 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  Shirish Vaktania, Samiullah Khan

BMC issues clarification which declares removal of the words 'keep away from domestic and wild animals' with immediate effect

The civic officials are using black colour to cover the incorrect part of the advisory


After mid-day ran a story on how several people deserted their pets because of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) banners and posters which asked people to keep away from animals amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) scare, the civic officials have now started removing the hoardings or blackening the instructions across the city.

On Thursday BMC issued a clarification on its advisory regarding COVID-19. The attached circular declared the removal of the words 'keep away from domestic and wild animals' and directed the health department officials to paste a white paper on the incorrect part of the advisory to cover it.

VVMC (Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation) also issued orders directing officials to blacken the portion of banner or alternatively to remove the billboard.

Speaking with mid-day, Mitesh Jain, District Animal Welfare Officer of the Animal Welfare Board of India said, "After we wrote a letter and asked the civic body to remove the banners, the civic authorities started blackening the portion of banners where the warning was mentioned."

In the last two days, animal activist found around 30 abandoned dogs and cats at Juhu, Goregaon, Navi Mumbai and several places across the city. Animal lover Rakesh Gupta said, "I found one dog that is currently safe and I have sent him for adoption." Vijay Rangare, another animal lover said, "We are informing people on social media to not abandon their pets as they don't spread the virus."

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Coronavirus brihanmumbai municipal corporation vasai virar mumbai news
Related Stories