Citizen Connect: Authorities refuse to remove stray dogs from Kancheepuram station, complain commuters

Stray dogs have been getting a free run of Kancheepuram railway station and causing inconvenience to commuters. Many claimed that they had taken up the matter with the authorities but no action has been taken yet.

As Kancheepuram is the district headquarters, sources said trains to Arakonam, Thirupathi, Thirumalpur, Chengalpattu, and Chennai Beach are operated from this railway station. The train service starts from 5 am and the last train leaves the station at 11.30 pm and so the station is crowded from early morning till late at night.

Commuters claimed that for a few months, a number of stray dogs have turned the railway station into their home and playground. “There are more than 20 dogs in the station and they fight with each other and even snap at elderly people if they accidentally step on them,” said Nishanth, a resident of Kancheepuram.

Dogs are often found occupying the seats in the station and their numbers seem to be increasing gradually, claimed commuters. Things turn worse at night when the dogs turn protective and bark at people use the station. 

According to a few sources, some elderly people have also been bitten, but the officials have not taken any steps to control the dogs.

Commuters said that Railway officials have been stressing that it was the responsibility of the municipality to take care of the dog menace, but even after repeated complaints to the municipality, the dogs continue to get a free run at the station.

Some people claimed that the chicken and mutton stalls near the station and dumping of waste nearby have become a source of food for the animals, encouraging them to stay.

Commenting on this, Kancheepuram municipal health officer Dr Muthu said, “We asked the Blue Cross of India to catch the dogs but they have been delaying it. Once the dogs are taken away, commuters can use the station freely.”