Pak dogs have their day at Attari border, halt Lahore-Amritsar bus for over three hours

The famed Neeli Ravi buffalo gifted by Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal might be still in Pakistan waiting to cross over to India due to quarantine constraints at the Attari border, but four dogs made their way to India through the border on Wednesday.

The Lahore-Amritsar bus on Tuesday brought three greyhounds and a bully dog along with 10 Indians, one Canadian and a Pakistani citizen. This led the customs authorities taking over three hours to get "requisite certificates" before it allowed the bus to proceed towards Amritsar from the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP).

According to sources, the dogs were travelling with two passengers hailing from the Indian Punjab. One of them was from Malerkotla and claimed the dogs were meant for a senior retired police officer in Punjab. Sources added that after the Customs authorities detained the dogs, the retired police officer personally went to the ICP to take up the case. Later, the dogs were reportedly handed over to the state animal husbandry department.

The bus could resume its journey only after Veterinary Officer (Attari) Charanjit Singh issued a "certificate". "The veterinary officer issued a certificate saying among other things that dogs are free from any disease and fit for import," Assistant Commissioner (Customs) at Attari, Amanjit, said.

"As per norms, one person can bring two dogs and one cat. Rules allow their import subject to certification from the country they come from and from the destined country. They had the certificate from Pakistan animal husbandry department. The certificate from Indian side was issued by the veterinary officer at Attari," Amanjit added.

When contacted, Charanjit Singh said he had recommended that the dogs be quarantined at a polyclinic in Verka. "It is the job of Customs officials to send the dogs to the polyclinic," he added.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Theatres in Punjab cancel 'Shootout at Wadala' shows

Rail traffic hit due to protests over Sajjan's acquittal

Family of 1971 POW awaits his return from Pak, fears for his life

Anti-Pakistan protests erupt in Sarabjit's native village