To,
The Head of Security Department
J. W. Marriott
Juhu
Mumbai

Sir,
I, Fizzah Shah, in the capacity of an Hon. Animal Welfare Officer, am addressing this communication to you on behalf of my organization 'In Defence of Animals India', which is engaged in Animal welfare activities and Stray Dog Sterilization Programme in Mumbai city in collaboration with the BMC.

This is to bring to your notice the Labrador Sniffer dogs are seen working overtime in stressful conditions and much beyond their capacity at the entrance of J.W. Marriott hotel, Juhu. One of our colleagues had visited your hotel on 12th December'08 at around 1.30pm and observed that one of the male Labrador Dog, around 5 to 6 years old, who had a thick mark on his neck was continuously and forcibly pulled to sniff the cars for the security purpose. The dog looked very tired and stressed out. When my colleague urged the security to give him water they brought the water in a very dirty and unhygienic bowl. Also, when she indicated that the Dog was tired and needed rest, they replace the dog with another Labrador dog which was limping.

I request you to immediately communicate to the Agencies providing such canines to take steps to ensure these dogs get adequate food, water & rest and that their care and well being is seriously taken up. They should also be given medical treatment and have regular medical checkups. Its imperative that they are treated with respect and are cared for. This will optimize their effectiveness and abilities.

Kindly also note to make these sniffer dogs work in stressful conditions which is beyond their capacity and strength is a punishable offence under the Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

I anticipate your immediate attention to this issue. On receipt of this letter, kindly inform me what steps you plan to take to improve the condition of these dogs.

Regards

Fizzah Shah
President
Hon. Animal Welfare Officer,
Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra.
Appointed by Mumbai High court.