Death of deer in Puthur Park; Cause of death explained as capture myopathy

THRISSUR: Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan said things including the lapses of employees in the incident in which ten deer died after being bitten by stray dogs at the Puthur Zoological Park, will be examined. While talking to a media, he said will examine whether the staff had opened the door and that the cause of death is capture myopathy.

The stress caused by the dogs led to the death. He said security loopholes will be solved, a recommendation for CCTV cameras in the deer enclosure will be given and precautions will be taken to prevent the mistake from happening again. Forest Minister A K Saseendran had announced an investigation into the incident yesterday. A special committee has been formed for the investigation. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan, forest vigilance division CCF Georgi P Mathachan and chief forest veterinary officer Dr Arun Zakaria are its members. Directions have been given to submit a preliminary report within four days and a final report within two weeks.

Ten of the 21 deer in the park have died. A barking deer was also found dead on Monday. Two dogs were also caught from here. The initial reports said there are lapses from the side of the employees of the park. It is also being reported that no arrangements were made to prevent stray dogs from entering the park. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Zoological Park two weeks ago. Park authorities said they suspect that the dogs may have entered through the road that was left open during the inauguration days.

Meantime, the area is plagued by stray dogs. Locals said stray dogs are often seen in large numbers under vehicles and in sheds built to park vehicles. Although inaugurated, the park has not been opened to visitors. Students with disabilities and guests are admitted on the basis of passes.