Shoot-at-sight orders against pigs again

Shoot-at-sight orders against pigs again
The Times of India
[27 Jul,2006 0027hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HUBLI: After a gap of more than three years, the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation will recommence its drive against stray pigs, in an attempt to remove that infamous tag of 'Pig City'.

Stray pigs were ordered to be shot at sight at a high level meeting held under district in-charge minister Jagadish Shettar on Wednesday.

Sharpshooters attached to the police department will shoot down pigs if their owners fail to shift after a given deadline.

The police will soon issue a notification clearly identifying the area where the exercise is to be undertaken.

Interestingly, the issue was discussed following a complaint from Minister Basavaraj Horatti on the pig menace near his house.

Earlier, Manivannan said the corporation does not have permission to shoot the animals, as clearance has to come from the city police.

However, he said the police were reluctant due to some untoward incidents in 2004. The drive had also been stalled due to shortage of bullets.

There was also some difficulty in bringing in pig-catchers. Police commissioner Narayan Nadamani said the police were worried about the safety of residents.

"We are apprehensive because during the last drive a bullet accidentally hit a schoolboy. If you still feel such a move is inevitable, I can arrange it with suitable precautions.