GURUGRAM: Residents of Ridgewood Estate in DLF Phase 4 are aggrieved about the presence of stray dogs. They told TOI that 900 households have been "held hostage" by a few residents who feed a dozen or so strays, which have "wreaked havoc in the society". Scores of residents took out a ' Gandhigiri march' on Sunday, claiming the elderly, children and pet owners are scared to walk around in their own society."There are many strays here," said Gurpreet Singh, adding, "None of these were born inside, but were lured in by some residents who feed them, in contravention of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which states removing an animal from its natural home is cruelty. These dogs are feral, display pack behaviour and attack passers-by without provocation."Residents said there have been numerous cases of dog bites. "Children, elderly and others live in fear. These strays become aggressive and bite people on days when their feeders can't feed them. They also pee all over the complex, including children's parks. Most are not vaccinated," read a statement by protesters, who demanded MCG relocate the dogs."We had only two strays few years ago, but now there are 14," a resident said."We want MCG to intervene, as animal rights activists stop us from doing anything."Amit Chaudhery, an animal lover, told TOI the issue should be resolved in a spirit of fairness and mutual accommodation. "The strays been living in Ridgewood for years. They are neutered and peaceable. This appears to be a bogey. The propensity of people to target animals is unfair and unacceptable. We hope the situation will be resolved amicably and lawfully." MCG officials said they will look into the matter.

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