Following complaints from citizens, when the animal catching squad of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation swooped in Moshi area to net a herd of pigs, they faced stiff resistance from the owners. The civic squad was at the receiving end of abuses and insults hurled at them. A couple of days later when squad landed at Kasarwadi to catch stray dogs, the officials were beaten by some locals.

In last two weeks, at least thrice the 10-member squad was prevented from taking action by the mob. In the past too, especially in Thergaon and Kalewadi area, the PCMC squad had failed to snare pigs following violent stoning from the pig owners. Not ready to risk the life of its staff, the civic veterinary department has decided to seek police protection for its squad. "We are moving a proposal before the municipal commissioner to provide us police protection for ensuring effective action against animals causing nuisance and spreading health hazard," said PCMC veterinary department chief Dr Satish Gore. "The PCMC anti-encroachment squad already has police protection. We are seeking similar protection from the civic body," he said.

Dr Gore said the squad has been on its toes for past two-three weeks after being flooded by calls from panicky citizens in the wake of the swine flu. "We have been getting a number of calls from citizens requesting us to catch pigs rolling in the muck and then creating unhygienic situations. But when our squad descends in the area, they faced resistance and are even being attacked by people who do not want their pigs to be caught and carried away," said Dr Gore.

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